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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Richard Rowland (ASN: 0-22470), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism while participating in aerial flight and exceptional and outstanding accomplishment in the face of great danger above and beyond the line of duty while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action over the Wewak Area, New Guinea, on 5 November 1943. Colonel Rowland was flying a P-47 type airplane, which was the leading aircraft in a flight of four P-47’s, when three groups of enemy fighters were observed. He fired on one enemy fighter from a yards causing the enemy airplane to burst into flames and crash into the sea. Shortly afterwards, he attacked another fighter which began to burn and fell out of control into the water. 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 Force 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Richard Rowland (ASN: 0-22470), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism while participating in aerial flight and exceptional and outstanding accomplishment in the face of great danger above and beyond the line of duty while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action near Wewak, New Guinea, on 7 November 1943. While leading a flight of P-47 type aircraft on a fighter sweep, Lieutenant Colonel Rowland encountered a flight of five enemy fighters. In the ensuing engagement, he shot down two enemy fighters in flames. 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 Force 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Richard Rowland (ASN: 0-22470), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Southwest Pacific area from 13 October 1943 to 22 December 1943. During this period Colonel Rowland participated in sustained operational activity against the enemy during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These flights included escorting bombers and transport aircraft, interception and attack missions, and patrol and reconnaissance flights. In the course of these operations, strafing and bombing attacks were made from dangerously low altitudes, destroying and damaging enemy installations and equipment. Throughout these operations, outstanding courage, ability and devotion to duty were displayed.