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 Michael L. Vagan, 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 combat missions against highly important and strategic enemy installations, the personnel listed below have demonstrated the highest order of professional skill, heroism, leadership and devotion to duty. Despite heavy enemy opposition encountered on these long and hazardous missions, together with severe and adverse weather conditions, their outstanding leadership, personal example and tactical skill have contributed materially to the defeat of the armed forces of the enemy. Their conspicuous and extraordinary achievements throughout these many combat missions against the enemy have been of inestimable value to the success of combat operations and have reflected great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.