Brooke E. Allen’s Distinguished Service Cross citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to
Brooke Empie Allen
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber and Commander of the 42d Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (H), HAWAIIAN Air Force, in aerial action against enemy Japanese Naval surface forces during the period 4 to 6 June 1942, at Midway. Lieutenant Colonel Allen led his squadron of B-17s in four attacks against the Japanese Task Force during the first two crucial days of the Battle of Midway. The gallant leadership, personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Allen on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Hawaiian Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.