The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John W. Beck (NSN: 0-299011), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 18 February 1945 to 9 April 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Beck completed 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.