The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John J. DeGeorge, Jr. (ASN: 0-796667), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while serving with the VIII Fighter Command, EIGHTH Air Force, in accomplishing fifty fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which this officer has sought out the enemy and engaged him in aerial combat, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.