The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ralph C. DeBaby (ASN: 0-662632), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a B-26 type aircraft of the 438th Bombardment Squadron, 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 29 July 1943, shortly after bombing the ***** Airdrome in Italy, the port engine of Lieutenant DeBaby’s plane completely cut out. Lieutenant DeBaby feathered the propeller but was forced to lag behind the formation. His efforts to lighten the load on the remaining engine by throwing out excess weight failed, and this engine also went dead while at an altitude of only five hundred feet. Noting the high waves on the water, Lieutenant DeBaby skillfully turned the airplane so as to effect a perfect landing in a smooth trough between the swells. The impact broke the glass in the pilot’s compartment and Lieutenant DeBaby was knocked unconscious. The airplane remained on the surface only a few seconds making it impossible for the other crew members to release Lieutenant DeBaby. By his outstanding professional skill in effecting a landing on a rough sea, Lieutenant DeBaby undoubtedly saved the lives of his entire crew. His personal resourcefulness and unfailing devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.