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 Major (Air Corps) [then Captain] Ralph D. Steakley, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 3d Photo Reconnaissance Squadron on a photographic mission over Okinawa Island on 26 February 1945. Successfully carrying out one of the first mosaic laying missions ever flown over the homeland of Japan, Major Steakley obtained valuable data for use by our intelligence. Ten separate photo runs were made, covering a distance of approximately 500 miles over this enemy-held island during which the aircraft was exposed to considerable flak bursts. 100 percent photographic coverage was so skillfully performed that a superior mosaic resulted in addition to the inestimable intelligence data secured. Vital color photographs were obtained at an altitude varying from 19,000 to 22,000 feet. Despite the physical and mental strain caused by hazardous flying conditions and by the meticulous and precise operations required, Major Steakley displayed such courage and skill as to reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Force Forces.