The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Malcolm D. Best (NSN: 8639715), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in action against the enemy off the coasts of Tsushima and Gotto Retto Islands on 4 June 1945. As aircrewman and gunner in a patrol bomber, his courage and skillful marksmanship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire contributed to the sinking of three enemy ships and seriously damaging a fourth. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.