The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] William H. Armstrong (NSN: 0-121726), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against strong enemy opposition in the Solomon Islands-New Britain Area, at extreme distances and shooting down three and one-half enemy aircraft in such actions. During the period from 31 August 1943 to 11 January 1944, Lieutenant Armstrong participated in 48 official combat missions, 21 of which were opposed by enemy aircraft and/or anti-aircraft fire. On 16 September 1943 while escorting bombers on a strike against the heavily defended enemy airfield of Ballale he engaged and destroyed an enemy fighter plane. On 20 October 1943 while participating in a fighter sweep over the Kahili airfield on Bougainville Island he shot down another enemy fighter plane. On 27 December 1943 while escorting our bombers against the installations in the Rabaul area of New Britain Island he shared in the destruction of an enemy fighter plane. On 3 January 1944 during a fighter sweep over the enemy airfields in the vicinity of Rabaul he again destroyed an enemy plane. At every opportunity Lieutenant Armstrong dealt the enemy damaging blows, demonstrating unusual airmanship, tireless attention to duty and superb courage, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.