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Awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross

2 February 1945

HEADQUARTERS 1ST AIR DIVISION
Office of the Commanding General
APO 557

2 February 1945

GENERAL ORDERS
NO. 99

Awards of Distinguished Flying Cross Section I
Awards of Oak Leaf Cluster to Distinguished Flying Cross Section II

I. Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943; as amended and pursuant to authority contained in letter, Hq Eighth Air Force, File 200.6, 23 September 1944, subject, “Awards and Decorations,” the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is awarded to the following-named officer.

ALAN A. ARLIN, 0-679017, Captain, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany and German occupied countries, from 19 May 1944 to 10 January 1945. Throughout these operations Captain Arlin exhibited consummate flying ability and outstanding airmanship in piloting the lead aircraft of Combat Bombardment Wing, Bombardment Group and Bombardment Squadron formations to objectives of importance to the enemy. He served with distinction on all the missions in which he participated, contributing to the success which was attained. On 24 May 1944 the airplane in which Captain Arlin was flying was subjected to a heavy barrage of antiaircraft fire immediately after bombs away. Several bursts of flak inflicted severe damage upon the aircraft. A cylinder on the Number One engine was shot off reducing the power of the engine. The superchargers of the Number Three and Number Four engines were disabled causing a reduction in their effectiveness and the oxygen and hydraulic systems were rendered inoperative. Captain Arlin relinquished the lead position and descended to a lower altitude. On the return flight the airplane was intercepted by hostile fighters. In the ensuing encounter the crew damaged one enemy aircraft before Captain Arlin reached cloud formations where further attacks were successfully evaded. The remainder of the trip to base was accomplished with preeminent skill without fighter escort. Upon arrival at home station Captain Arlin effected a successful landing without brakes, resulting in the return of the crew without injury. The courage, coolness and tenacity of purpose displayed by this officer reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from California.

The above is an extract of 398th personnel from General Order 99.

Transcribed September 2004 by Dawne Dougherty.