The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant William L. Atwater, Jr. (MCSN: 0-33858), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Ryukyu Islands Area from 12 to 19 June 1945. First Lieutenant Atwater 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.