Elliott Estill Dent, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Elliott Estill Dent, Jr. (0-794924), Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 1 November 1944, in the Southwest Pacific Area. On this date Captain Dent shot down three enemy aircraft in a single engagement. Captain Dent’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.