AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Clarence A. Lakin for extraordinary achievement while participating in fifty operational flight missions in the Southwest Pacific Area from April 20 to June 20, 1943, during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These operations consisted of dropping supplies and transporting troops to advanced positions. The flights involved flying at low altitudes over mountainous terrain under adverse weather conditions in an unarmed transport airplane and often necessitated landing within a few miles of enemy bases. Throughout these flights, outstanding ability and devotion to duty were demonstrated.