The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Paul Bilbao, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron ELEVEN (VF-11), embarked in U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action on 10 January 1945 in the vicinity of Formosa. While engaged in an attack on enemy shipping, he, together with an accompanying plane made repeated strafing and rocket attacks on a medium sized ammunition ship causing it to blow up and sink with violent explosions. Anti-aircraft fire from this and accompanying ships was extremely intense and accurate. His heroism and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.