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 Donald H. Falkingham, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an A-26 type aircraft. On 22 April 1945, after completing a weather reconnaissance mission over enemy positions in Northern Italy, Captain Falkingham was directed by the sector controller to a concentration of motor vehicles at Finale. Displaying great courage and superior flying ability as he pressed repeated bombing and strafing attacks in the face of intense antiaircraft fire, Captain Falkingham destroyed or damaged a number of motor transports and inflicted casualties upon personnel. On more than forty-five combat missions, his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.