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) John E. Child, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as Airplane Commander of a B-29 aircraft on a bombing mission from a base in the Mariana Islands, against the Tokyo urban area on 24 May 1945. Despite intense searchlight glare, accurate anti-aircraft fire and violent thermals, an excellent run was made and the bombs were dropped on the briefed target. Captain Child’s skill, courage, devotion to duty, and excellent leadership not only contributed materially to the success of the mission, but also aided in the destruction of the enemy’s capital city. This outstanding achievement of Captain Child, veteran of repeated assaults against the Japanese homeland, in the face of hazardous conditions reflects great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.