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) Anthony Rispoli (ASN: 0-796601), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Lead Navigator of a Heavy Bombardment Division of B-24 airplanes on a mission over Germany on 16 December 1943. As a result of adverse weather and a solid undercast of clouds, the Division he was navigating became separated from another division that it was to follow over the target. Since radio aids in this area are unreliable, Lieutenant Rispoli was compelled to rely upon dead reckoning for knowledge of his position. Exhibiting the utmost skill, Lieutenant Rispoli plotted a course which enabled the pilot to re-contact the other division just off the enemy coast. The accuracy with which he performed his navigational duties was largely responsible for the successful bombing of the target by his unit. The courage and technical skill displayed by Lieutenant Rispoli reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Anthony Rispoli (ASN: 0-796601), 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.