The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ralph D. Botten (NSN: 0-145645), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the Japanese Fleet on 7 April 1945 in the East China Sea. As a pilot of a flight of twelve carrier-based torpedo bombers he participated in a coordinated torpedo attack on a large Japanese destroyer. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack to within twelve hundred yards of the destroyer and dropped his torpedo. The ship maneuvered radically away from him causing his torpedo to miss, but in so doing was forced to turn toward the other members of his attack group who scored two direct hits. The destroyer was observed to sink immediately following the attack. His courage and skill in carrying out with perfect timing and prearranged plan was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.