AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  B-25

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Gordon M. Prior, Air Corps, 310th Bombardment Group (M) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a B-25 type aircraft. On 24 April 1944, Lieutenant Prior led an eighteen-plane formation in an attack upon a railroad bridge in Orvieto, Italy. Displaying great courage and superior flying ability as he skillfully maneuvered through intense anti-aircraft fire upon the approach to the target, Lieutenant Prior's precision-directed run over the objective enabled his bombers to release their bombs with devastating effect upon this vital objective. On more than fifty combat missions, his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.