The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Cleland Austin (NSN: 0-290543), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in French Indo-China on 12 January 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber Plane he attacked an enemy freighter transport, which violently exploded and sank immediately as a result of his bomb hit. Despite the intensive and accurate anti-aircraft fire he persisted in diving to a low altitude before releasing in order to achieve direct hits. His courage and skill were inspiring and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeAction Date:
February 17, 1945
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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Cleland Austin (NSN: 0-290543), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Tokyo Area on 17 February 1945. As pilot of a Torpedo Bomber aircraft on the first naval aerial strike against the heart of the Japanese Empire he skillfully and courageously made an extremely destructive glide bombing attack on an important enemy industrial plane. He carried out this attack in the face of persistent intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and insistent and aggressive enemy fighter interception. His courage, determination and devotion to duty in the effective execution of this attack despite no hope of escape if forced down were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.