Melvyn R. Paisley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Melvyn R. Paisley (0-774289), Second 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 P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 390th Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 1 January 1945, during an air mission in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Second Lieutenant Paisley shot down four enemy aircraft in a single engagement. Second Lieutenant Paisley’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.