John H. Diehl, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Diehl, Jr., 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 B-25 Bomber, while participating in a bombing mission against enemy targets during World War II. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Diehl on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

Personal Awards: 2@ Distinguished Service Crosses (WWII)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Diehl, Jr., 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 B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Captain Diehl flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and despite the death of one of his gunners continued on until he brought his crew safely back to base. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Diehl on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.