Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Lieutenant Colonel (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 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, on twenty bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe during World War II. Displaying great courage and skill, Lieutenant Colonel Diehl has materially aided in the success of each of the twenty missions and his actions are an inspiring example for his fellow flyers. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Diehl on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    68th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    44th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1943

    Headquarters, Eighth Air Force, General Orders No. 93 (July 6, 1943)

    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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    68th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    44th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 90 (September 16, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) John Henry Diehl, Jr. (ASN: 0-427313), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. As Commanding Officer of the 68th Bombardment Squadron, Captain Diehl piloted the lead plane in a formation of B-24 type aircraft that attacked a highly important oil refinery at extremely low altitude. Because of the nature of the target it was imperative for the lead pilot to follow an exact course to and over the target. Some 15 miles before reaching the objective, Captain Diehl’s aircraft was subjected to heavy pointblank anti-aircraft and machine gun fire. Knowing that to take normal evasive action would disrupt the close formation, Captain Diehl, thinking only of the complete destruction of the target ahead, and with complete disregard for personal risk, kept fast to the course, leading his formation through fire and smoke straight over the target. His courageous determination and exceptional piloting skill made possible the successful bombing of the target. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Diehl on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.