AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  P-38

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Warren A. Holden for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North African Theater of Operations as Pilot of P-38 type aircraft. While protecting his element leader, whose P-38 had been badly damaged during a fighter-bomber mission over Bocca de Falco airdrome on 25 May 1943, Lieutenant Holden and his comrades were attacked by six FW 190's. Displaying outstanding flying skill, Lieutenant Holden destroyed one FW 190, as it closed in upon his leader and heroically fought off the five other enemy planes until his comrade had crash-landed upon the water. With consummate mastery of his aircraft he then shot down a second FW 190 and, evading the remaining fourm, returned safely to his base. His gallantry in combat and selfless devotion to his comrade reflect great credit upon himself and have upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.