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 Captain (Air Corps) John Henry Diehl, Jr. (ASN: 0-427313), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, on seventeen bombardment missions over enemy occupied Europe during World War II. On the mission dispatched 29 May 1943, to bomb a heavily defended military objective, Captain Diehl was Pilot the leading airplane of his group. Displaying great courage and skilful airmanship, Captain Diehl led the group through determined enemy opposition to successfully bomb the objectives. Captain Diehl has materially aided in the success of each of these missions, his actions being an inspiration to his fellow flyers and reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.