The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Chief Radioman John Adam Beck (NSN: 4115043), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights. On the night of 28 – 29 September 1944, as First Radioman of a Catalina aircraft which had been struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire that killed the navigator, destroyed the starboard engine and had otherwise severely damaged the plane, he directed the crew in controlling and repairing the damage with well chosen instructions that displayed complete presence of mind. Further, he assumed the duties of the dead navigator accurately plotting the dead reckoning position, expertly utilized the radar as a navigational aid, assisted the junior radioman in his duties, and by his actions contributed substantially in effecting a safe return of the plane to its base. His actions on this occasion showed an extraordinary high degree of professional skill, determination and coolness under fire, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.