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) Walter H. Canter (ASN: 0-754467), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over Mount Malepunya, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 20 April 1945. Lieutenant Canter was leader of one of three flights in a formation of A-20 aircraft dispatched to attack a force of approximately 1,000 Japanese entrenched in a deep, narrow gulch between towering hills. In order to reach the enemy he had to climb over our forces, which were located near the enemy lines, then dive sharply down to the target area. He led his flight on a successful bombing and strafing attack, completely annihilating the Japanese. By precise timing, he pulled out of the run just in time to avoid crashing into the hills. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Canter during this flight are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.