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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jack M. Mates, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. Throughout many long and hazardous combat missions against vital strategic targets deep in enemy occupied territory, though confronted by heavy enemy opposition from highly aggressive enemy fighters and intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Mates consistently displayed outstanding courage, aggressiveness and intense devotion to duty throughout all engagements. With his aircraft frequently severely damaged by heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant Mates courageously remained at his station, battling his way through to his targets to aid materially in the utter destruction of vitally important enemy installations and supplies. Heedless of severe and adverse weather conditions encountered over rugged mountainous terrain and surmounting many other major obstacles that faced him during these hazardous combat missions, Lieutenant Mates gallantly engaged, fought and defeated the enemy with complete disregard for his personal safety and against overwhelming odds. The conspicuous and extraordinary achievements throughout these many missions against the enemy have been of inestimable value to successful combat operations and have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.