AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  P-39

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Michael F. Moffit for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights over Dutch New Guinea on 17 May 1944 and 20 July 1944. On 17 May 1944, he led an element of P-39’s on an armed reconnaissance, hunting targets of opportunity and anti-aircraft installations in the Hansa Bay area. Despite intense enemy fire, he made ten effective strafing attacks on guns and installations. He put anti-aircraft guns out of action, rendered two supply barges unserviceable, damaged camouflaged Japanese shelters and ruined stacks of supplies. He ceased his destructive attacks only after all his ammunition had been expended. In addition, he brought back important sightings and aerial photographs that were invaluable in pin-pointing other installations in the area. On 20 July 1944, seeking targets of opportunity along the Japanese evacuation route between Cape Moepi and Jop Island, he strafed camouflaged barges, supply trucks, and stacks of supplies making all runs from tree-top level. Again, he brought back important sightings that were valuable in determining the trend of enemy activities in that area. On both these missions, he was subjected to intense ground fire. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Moffitt during those flights are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.