The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] John Gust Simbles (NSN: 0-337907/7012216), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TEN (VT-10), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands and Ryukyu Islands, on 2 April 1945. Undaunted by grave hazards, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Simbles boldly penetrated enemy territory to execute a daring raid against hostile air and surface forces and, by his relentless determination and indomitable courage, succeeded in blasting a Japanese twin-engined bomber from the sky. His superb skill as an airman, fighting spirit and brilliant combat tactics throughout this period of intense aerial activity were contributing factors in the success of our operations in this strategic area, and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Simbles and the United States Naval Service.