• John E. Bakalar

• Date of birth: 29-Aug-20
• Date of death: Killed in Action
• Place of Birth: Hammond, Indiana
• Home of record: Hammond, Indiana
• Status: KIA
• 
  The three aircraft destroyed by Lieutenant Bakalar on this mission were his only aerial victories of the war. He was himself shot down and Killed in Action two weeks later on September 1, 1944.

Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John E. Bakalar (ASN: 0-732120), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 16 August 1944, while participating in a controlled area sweep over enemy occupied territory.

On this date, Lieutenant Bakalar took part in a diving attack upon a numerically superior enemy formation. Attacked constantly by the enemy who all but encircled him, and despite the fact that he had become separated from his wingman just after the initial dive, he fearlessly engaged one enemy aircraft after another and destroyed three of them.

The outstanding heroism and complete disregard for personal safety displayed by Lieutenant Bakalar on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 97 (December 11, 1944)

Action Date: 16-Aug-44

Service: Army Air Forces

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: 353d Fighter Squadron

Regiment: 354th Fighter Group

Division: 9th Air Force