Earl D. Ashley’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to

Earl D. Ashley

Private First Class, U.S. Army Air Forces

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Private First Class Ashley displayed extraordinary heroism during an extremely hazardous and difficult torpedo-bombing mission against the Japanese Navy. He served his gun against strong fighter opposition until seriously wounded by enemy fire, and after wounded continued to assist another crew member in serving the gun until enemy opposition had ceased. By his skilled airmanship and courageousness he was instrumental in the success of the first torpedo attack ever carried out by the Army Air Forces. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Ashley on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.