The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel (Air Corps) Birrell Walsh (ASN: 0-18109), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Chief of Staff, 313th Bombardment Wing, TWENTIETH Air Force, on 10 February 1945. Colonel Walsh, Chief of Staff for the Commanding General on the Second mission in which B-29’s of the wing participated, an exceptionally dangerous 2,753 mile strike against the vital Nakajima aircraft factory at Ota in the heart of Japan. He risked his life in a supreme effort to secure information of vital concern to members of his command. His formation of B-29’s set an undeviating course for the target although the enemy sent up 106 fighter craft and accurate fire from the eighteen heavy anti-aircraft guns in a desperate effort to stop the attack. Their bombs destroyed more than thirty percent of the plant. Immediately after bombs away, the plane in which Colonel Walsh was flying and another B-29 collided and both were last seen hurtling earthward. One other plane was lost over the target and five were ditched on the homeward journey. The gallantry, intrepid leadership and devotion to duty shown by Colonel Walsh in his voluntary participation in a most hazardous mission are an inspiration to all members of this command and reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.