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 Colonel (General Staff Corps) David Larr (ASN: 0-15169), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, during a low-level reconnaissance mission over the eastern part of New Guinea, on 16 – 17 September 1942. While on a reconnaissance mission, Colonel Larr, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Southwest Pacific Area, proceeded as an observer on 16 September 1942, on an extended air reconnaissance of islands, possibly occupied by the enemy, in the vicinity of eastern New Guinea. Returning to an air base, he immediately proceeded as observer, in a small, slow, unarmed training airplane on a detailed low level reconnaissance of a portion of the waste line of New Guinea frequented and possibly occupied by enemy parties. Landing on an emergency field covered by high grass, he spent the night far beyond our lines. When an enemy party learned of his presence and attempted to capture him next morning, he was able to take off shortly before its arrival and to return to the base. On 17 September as observer and front gunner in a bombardment airplane, he reconnoitered trails leading from another base well to the rear of the enemy position. On the returning trip, the plane flew low over a trail in use by the enemy, machine-gunning hostile parties, then continued on further reconnaissance before returning to base. As a result of his intrepidity at risk of his own life, Colonel Larr was able to obtain detailed information of great value. Colonel Larr’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.