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 Captain (Air Corps) Ernest Kermit Osher (ASN: 0-429107), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-38 type aircraft of the 95th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the North African Theater of Operations. On 5 May 1943, Captain Osher led his squadron as escort to six B-25’s on a low-level shipping sweep near Egadir Islands. Observing six SM-82’s, escorted by twelve ME-109’s and Macchi 200’s, Captain Osher directed two flights to continue with the bombers, and then led his two remaining flights into combat. In shooting down one SM-82 and one Macchi 200, he took the leading part in destroying the six transports and three of the fighter escorts. As squadron commander, Captain Osher’s outstanding leadership and courageous example in combat have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.