The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert C. Bennett (MCSN: 0-21227), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima and Nansei Shoto, during the period 15 May to 24 May 1945. First Lieutenant Bennett participated in five combat air patrols, completing twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.