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) Robert J. Mason, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Major Mason made repeated over-water, day and night flights, in the Western Aleutian Island area, through instrument weather and icing conditions to the limit of the range of the aircraft at reduced speed, without appreciable fuel safety factor, to attack an enemy Task Force, heavily protected by anti-aircraft and cruiser-based fighter aircraft. He flew unaccompanied to photograph the enemy fleet at Attu on 4 June 1942, returning over Kiska for photographs and reconnaissance. Since then he has repeatedly flew bombing missions against Kiska. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.