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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Gordon Winthrop Barrett, Jr. (ASN: 0-26071), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 447th Bombardment Group over Merseburg, Germany, 2 November 1944. On this mission against a vital target, the group leader was forced to leave the formation after releasing the bombs on the target. Enemy fighters immediately attacked the shattered group. Captain Barrett quickly assumed the lead, rallied the entire group into a compact and effective defensive formation and then led it safely back to friendly territory. The skillful leadership and courage displayed by Captain Barrett on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.