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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Herbert E. L. Toombs, Jr., 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 fighters and intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, the personnel listed below have consistently displayed outstanding courage, aggressiveness and intense devotion to duty throughout all engagements. With their aircraft frequently severely damaged by heavy enemy fire, these men have courageously remained at their stations, battling their way through to their targets to aid materially in the utter destruction of vitally important installations and supplies. Heedless of severe and adverse weather conditions encountered over rugged mountainous terrain and surmounting many other major obstacles that faced them during these hazardous missions, these men have gallantly engaged, fought and defeated the enemy with complete disregard for their 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 themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.