AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  B-29

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Ralph C. Wilson, Air Corps, United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in historical missions from a base in the Marianas Islands against the homeland of Japan between 9 March 1945 and 19 March 1945. During this period the cities of Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kobe were struck with such force and determination that great areas were totally destroyed. Aircraft on each mission attacked these Japanese cities at precedent shattering low altitudes, introducing new and successful tactics, with devastating results. Each flight was made without regard to personal safety in the face of ever present danger from enemy fighters and heavy search light-directed flak. These missions were flown over excessively long ranges through weather that was often adverse and necessitated instrument flying and increased navigational problems. There was ever present the possibility of mechanical failure and failure due to enemy action, necessitating subsequent ditching many miles at sea in hostile waters. The rapid succession in which each mission followed the other allowed a minimum time for rest and recuperation. In spite of weariness and fatigue, physical and mental strain, and the hazardous flying conditions, First Lieutenant Wilson displayed such courage and skill as to reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Ralph C. Wilson, 40th Bombardment Squadron, 6th Bombardment Group, Air Corps, United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on a bombing mission against the Japanese Empire 14 August 1945. Captain Wilson was Airplane Commander of the lead crew of the fourth air squadron bombing the vital Marifu railroad yards at Iwakuni, Japan from a base in the Marianas. Despite instrument weather encountered en route, Captain Wilson’s plane made landfall at exactly the briefed time and place, and he assembled his formation quickly and skillfully. Without regard for the danger of fire from flak batteries and fighters known to be based in the area, he pressed home the attack and the bombs were released precisely on the target, contributing to its complete destruction. Captain Wilson’s superior qualities of leadership, his outstanding devotion to duty, and his ability to achieve such excellent results reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Force.