The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander John Tucker Hayward (NSN: 0-63431/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as Commanding Officer of a Navy Bombing Squadron operating in the South Pacific area from 8 November 1943 to 24 February 1944. During this period, Commander Hayward completed many combat and search missions over Japanese territory, frequently encountering heavy anti-aircraft fire. Several of the missions were made, despite adverse weather conditions. On 8 November while on a routine search, he bombed Kapingimarangi Island, scoring four direct hits on an enemy bivouac area. On 20 and 31 December and 8 January he bombed, strafed and sank enemy supply barges on each occasion. On 24 February, his efficient spotting enabled our destroyers to destroy three Japanese cargo vessels in Kavieng Harbor. His superior airmanship and outstanding leadership contributed materially to the success of the squadron in inflicting severe damage on the Japanese forces in the area. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander John Tucker Hayward (NSN: 0-63431/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Squadron Commander of a Heavy Bombing Squadron during the attack by U.S. Naval Forces against Wake Island on 5 October 1943. He led the attack by his squadron and personally directed the operations against enemy objectives during which time he successfully and effectively bombed, strafed enemy installations, and obtained many valuable photographs of the island in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. His aggressive and skillful leadership and constant devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of this action against the enemy and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Captain John Tucker Hayward (NSN: 0-63431/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 13 April 1944 to 23 April 1944. Captain Hayward completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.