The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Lawrence Earl Oliver, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TEN during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Mariana Islands Area from 15 June to 2 July 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Oliver contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage on hostile airfields, gun installations and airfields. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.