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 John R. Rossi, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the South China and Southeast Asia theater, from 7 December 1941 to 18 July 1942. The American Volunteer Group, the Flying Tigers, compiled an unparalleled combat record under extremely hazardous conditions. This volunteer unit conducted aggressive counter-air, air defense, and close air support operations against a numerically superior enemy force occasionally 20 times larger. Members of the All Volunteer Group destroyed some 650 enemy aircraft while suffering minimal losses. Their extraordinary performance in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds was a major factor in defeating the enemy’s invasion of South China. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by John R. Rossi reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.