The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Ernest E. Bartlett, Jr. (NSN: 0-157921), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Patrol Plane Commander of a PBM attached to Patrol Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE (VP-731) during an operational mission against enemy forces west of Korea on 31 July 1952. When Lieutenant Bartlett’s plane was attacked by two enemy MiG-15 fighters, he assumed control of the plane and through his gallant maneuvers and defensive tactics, was able to save his plane despite six firing runs by the enemy which resulted in the death of two crew members and the wounding of two others. After the engagement was broken off, Lieutenant Bartlett elected to make an emergency open-sea landing near friendly forces to insure prompt medical aid for his two critically wounded crew members. This he accomplished safely despite adverse conditions of wind and sea. When it was determined that the swell was too heavy for transfer of the wounded by rubber raft, Lieutenant Bartlett promptly beached his plane. After the wounded had been removed, the plane broached in the heavy seas and was stranded by the outgoing tide. At the next high time, and mainly through the persistence and determination of Lieutenant Bartlett, the plane was re-floated and thereby saved. Lieutenant Bartlett’s superior ability, coolness and resourcefulness while under heavy strain is considered the primary reason for the save return of the plane and the crew. His devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.