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 Ensign Robert Merle Bishman (NSN: 0-354685), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy from 18 March to 21 May 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane he participated in twenty combat missions over Kyushu, Japan, and the Nansei Shoto. During these flights he performed his assigned duties with courage and determination, which were 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Robert Merle Bishman (NSN: 0-354685), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane on 7 April 1945. Ensign Bishman took part in an attack on an enemy task force comprised of battleships, cruisers and destroyers in the East China Sea. Assigned to obtain photographic coverage of the enemy disposition, he circled through intense anti-aircraft fire during the course of the engagement. The photographs obtained proved invaluable for intelligence and damage assessment purposes. His skill and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.