The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Max Grugan Barnes (NSN: 0-116324), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces as pilot of a single seater carrier-based fighter plane. On 16 October 1944, in the vicinity of Formosa, he led the second division of an eight-plane flight on Combat Air Patrol. In the face of a vastly superior number of enemy planes he attacked the enemy bomber formation and destroyed two planes. He later aided in the rescue of a fellow pilot by circling the downed aviator until help had been sent. His determined and fearless leadership contributed greatly to the success of this engagement and was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Max Grugan Barnes (NSN: 0-116324), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against the enemy from 13 October 1944 to 17 February 1945. As leader of a division of carrier-based fighter planes in a series of sweeps and strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations in the Philippine Islands, Ryukyus and Formosa, he was instrumental in the destruction or damaging of five planes on the ground, and in addition, seriously damaged one destroyer by his accurate bombing and strafing attacks. He also strafed and left burning, a small cargo vessel and one freighter. During an escort mission in the Tokyo area he damaged one twin engine plane on the ground, while effectively providing cover for an accompanying photographic plane. His cool aggressiveness under fire and skillful leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.