(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Frederic Fay Champlin (ASN: 0-743409), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Frederic Fay Champlin (ASN: 0-743409), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action over Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 12 November 1944. Captain Champlin, leading a flight of four P-38 aircraft on patrol over a naval force in the gulf, contacted an enemy bomber which was approaching escorted by two fighters. He turned into the hostile formation, drove the fighters away and, with a short burst, sent the bomber crashing into the sea in flames. As the two remaining enemy airplanes attempted to attack his flight, he maneuvered into position for a frontal attack, pursued one of the fighters into a dive, and, scoring several hits, caused it to burst into flames. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Champlin are worthy of the highest commendation.