The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James J. Bierbower (MCSN: 0-31451), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Ryukyu Islands Area from 13 May 1945 to 16 May 1945. First Lieutenant Bierbower 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.