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) Donald L. Clarke (AFSN: FR-12531), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against the enemy while serving with the 48th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force. On 16 April 1945, First Lieutenant Clarke, while leading three flights of his squadron on an armed reconnaissance mission, inflicted great destruction to vital enemy rail transportation, ammunition, and equipment. Due to his keen perception, outstanding leadership, and personal skill, his mission destroyed three enemy freight trains. Despite the intensity of severe anti-aircraft fire, First Lieutenant Squadron on repeated attacks and destroyed other trains, including several containing ammunition. The skill and ability to deploy his forces to obtain maximum damage are of greatest credit to First Lieutenant Clarke and the Army Air Forces.