The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Clarence H. Bentley (MCSN: 0-21349), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in numerous aerial flights against the enemy as a tactical and gunnery air observer with a Marine Amphibious Corps on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 15 June 1945. During this period First Lieutenant Bentley participated in numerous hazardous reconnaissance flights over enemy held terrain and installations. Despite the hazards of enemy fire and the risks involved in possible collision with terrain features, due to the minimum altitudes at which his aircraft was required to operate, he efficiently and accurately reported the disposition of enemy troops and installations which resulted in numerous casualties to enemy personnel and destruction of enemy positions and equipment. His frequent and detailed reports of visual reconnaissance materially assisted the progress of the operations in which he participated. By his courage, determination, and high degree of professional skill he contributed materially to the successful completion of the missions assigned the unit to which he was attached and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.