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) Ronald G. Dove (ASN: 0-790468), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-40 type aircraft. On 10 July 1943, Lieutenant Dove was an element leader on a bomber escort mission over ***** Airdrome, Sicily, when he observed twenty ME-109’s preparing to attack the formation. Unable to make radio contact with the other flights, Lieutenant Dove led his element of four planes to intercept the hostile aircraft. When a crippled P-40 was attacked by four enemy planes, Lieutenant Dove came to his aid and not only damaged one ME-109 but also engaged the remaining enemy planes, enabling his comrade to reach safety. Lieutenant Dove, although wounded in the engagement and his plane badly damaged, managed to elude the remaining fighters and made an emergency landing at an advanced air base. His outstanding record while participating in 44 combat missions has upheld the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. By completely disregarding his own safety to come to the aid of a less fortunate comrade, Lieutenant Dove has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.