(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Shelby L. Irby (ASN: 0-666295), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the EIGHTH Air Force during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Shelby L. Irby (ASN: 0-666295), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-24 airplane on a bombing mission over enemy occupied Europe, 1 October 1943. During a vicious attack by enemy fighters, the bombers were scattered and the Group Leader forced to abandon the formation. Though one engine of his aircraft was knocked out and the left wing was aflame, Lieutenant Irby quickly assumed the lead position, regrouped the scattered bombers and skillfully led them over the target, which was bombed with great success. After leading the withdrawal from the target area, Lieutenant Irby was forced to leave the formation and land his crippled aircraft at the first available airfield. The courage, leadership in battle and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Irby were an inspiration to his unit and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.