The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harris O. Torgerson, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the assault against enemy held Attu Island on the Aleutian Chain in 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Torgerson flew his OS-2U naval float plane on numerous hazardous flights in foul weather, including fog, rain and snow, in the face of enemy fire to ascertain weather conditions over enemy held positions, spotting artillery fire and pointing out specific targets to combat flights by strafing the targets. He also affected the rescue of an Air Corps P-38 pilot who had made a forced water landing, promptly landing beside him, transferring him to the float of his plane and taxing to a place of safety nearby. Lieutenant Torgerson’s conduct was at all times in accordance with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.