Alvin Mueller, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Alvin J. Mueller, Jr., First Lieutenant (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 B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 December 194, against enemy targets in Java. On that date, First Lieutenant Mueller’s plane was attacked by ten Japanese fighters and hit more than 100 times. Lieutenant Mueller fought off enemy attacks for 20 minutes after his plane was hit, protected his formation leader’s plane which had lost one engine, and finally successfully landed his own plane despite damaged controls. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Mueller 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.

Office of the Department Commander, South West Pacific Command, General Orders No. 2 (1942)