The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Harold E. Behnke (MCSN: 0-27441), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands Area from 1 May to 16 May 1945. First Lieutenant Behnke 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.