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 Lieutenant Commander Frank William Ackermann (NSN: 0-83921), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in Japanese Empire waters. As Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Patrol Bomber on 29 April 1945, just off the shoreline of Japan near Tokyo Bay, he destroyed two heavily armed Picket boats, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from the Picket boats and from shore batteries. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.