The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Wilmer Ernest Rawie (NSN: 0-81338), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as leader of a bomber fighter plane sweep against enemy naval air installations on the Japanese Island of Honshu. In the face of extremely intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire he led his division with great skill and determination in a bombing attack on installations on the naval air station. He personally scored a direct bomb hit on a hangar. While in the dive his plane was hit with anti-aircraft fire several times. However, with complete disregard for his own safety, he then led repeated strafing attacks on grounded enemy airplanes and air installations in the vicinity of the Island of Shikoku, being subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire while so doing. His courage, skill and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



