AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  B-29

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Austin W. LaMarch for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on a major incendiary mission against the urban area of Osaka, Japan on 13 March 1945. Major LaMarche was Airplane Commander of a B-29 aircraft based in the Marianas Islands that accomplished its bomb run at an unprecedented low altitude to drop its bombs with devastating accuracy on a vital Japanese center. Immediately after bombs were released, his airplane was struck by anti-aircraft fire; simultaneously it entered a huge cloud of turbulent smoke billowing up from great fires in the target area. The aircraft, with bomb bay doors still open, fell into a steep dive but, despite injury to several crew members and severe structural damage to the aircraft, Major LaMarche brought the plane back under control at an altitude of only slightly over 3000 feet and accomplished a safe return to his base. The courageous determination of Major LaMarche, who has completed more than twenty-one combat missions, and his exemplary performance of duty in a time of stress, reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.