(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Ensign Richard M. Howell, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with a Fighting Squadron during World War II.

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 Richard M. Howell, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the Coral Sea Battle, 7 – 8 May 1942, while piloting a fighter plane. He zealously engaged enemy aircraft, thus contributing materially to the defense of our forces.