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) Lawrence Vincent Bach, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16589), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a Pilot in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (Austria, 8 February 1945). Throughout many combat missions against highly important and strategic enemy installations, First Lieutenant Bach has demonstrated the highest order of professional skill, heroism, leadership and devotion to duty. Despite heavy enemy opposition encountered on these long and hazardous combat missions, together with severe and adverse weather conditions, his outstanding leadership, personal example and tactical skill have contributed materially to the defeat of the armed forces of the enemy. His conspicuous and extraordinary achievements throughout these many missions against the enemy have been of inestimable value to the success of combat operations and have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.