AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  P-40

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard C. Byron for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-40 type aircraft. On 22 February 1944, while flying on patrol over Anzio, Italy, Lieutenant Byron observed more than fifteen enemy aircraft preparing to bomb friendly ground troops. Immediately turning into the enemy, Lieutenant Byron, displaying great courage and superior tactical skill, directed his P-40's in a vigorous attack enabling them to destroy two enemy planes, probably destroy three others and damage two aircraft and force the others to break off combat and flee over enemy territory. On more than one hundred combat missions, his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.