The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Bennett (NSN: 0-124249), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a Torpedo Bomber attached to Navy Composite Squadron FORTY (VC-40), operating in the South Pacific Area from 13 September 1943 to 25 January 1944. During three tours of duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bennett participated in nineteen damaging strikes against Japanese airfields, gun positions and shipping in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas. On 19 December, he scored a direct hit upon and completely destroyed a bridge over the Rigu Mission Lagoon at Kieta Harbor, Bougainville. On 24 January, he took part in an attack against enemy shipping in the heavily-fortified harbor at Rabaul, New Britain. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and determined fighter plane opposition, he scored a direct hit which was instrumental in sinking a large transport vessel. On numerous other occasions, he scored effective hits on enemy installations which contributed materially to the neutralization of several airfields in this area. His superior airmanship and courageous devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.