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 Colonel (Air Corps) Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr. (AFSN: 0-1206/ASN: 0-20146), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-47 type aircraft of the 332d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. Colonel Davis led his Group as escort to heavy bombers on a mission against industrial targets in Germany on 9 June 1944. En route, the bomber formation was attacked by approximately one hundred enemy fighters. Faced with the problem of protecting the large bomber formation with the comparatively few fighters under his control, Colonel Davis so skillfully disposed his squadrons that in spite of the large number of enemy fighters, the bomber formation suffered only a few losses. During the engagement, Colonel David led one flight against more than fifteen enemy fighters which were making repeated attacks on one group of bombers. His aggressive spirit and determined leadership caused his men to rout the enemy fighters and emerge with five victories. By his outstanding courage, leadership and combat ability, Colonel Davis has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.