The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Jacques V. E. Benard (MCSN: 0-33096), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 28 February to 18 March 1945. While serving as a pilot with a Marine Observation Squadron, Second Lieutenant Benard flew a total of thirty-nine flights over enemy territory. On 11 March he flew his airplane in a most skillful manner, making it possible for the tactical air gunnery observer to locate an enemy rocket launching emplacement. This could be accomplished only by fling at an altitude far below the safety limits for this unharmed, unarmored aircraft. Enemy anti-aircraft fire and the constant hazard of friendly supporting arms fire did not deter Lieutenant Benard and the tactical air gunnery observer from completing this mission. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.