The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Richard Laurin Bertelson (NSN: 0-347402), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VF-29), in action against the enemy from 29 October 1944 to 18 February 1945. As a member of a division of carrier-based fighters on a series of sweeps and airstrikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations in the vicinity of the Philippines, Ryukyus and Bonins, he assisted in bombing and strafing. He bombed, strafed and seriously damaged two cargo vessels, one lugger and one large transport. He assisted in sinking one oiler and two luggers while damaging a third. His skillful and courageous performance under fire were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Richard Laurin Bertelson (NSN: 0-347402), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of a carrier-based fighter in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VF-29), in action in the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands on 3 April 1945. While participating in a fighter bomber sweep over a strategic enemy airfield, he made several determined bombing and strafing runs on opposing aircraft positions. Upon recovering from a run, his group was unexpectedly attacked from above by a group of about twenty enemy fighters. In the ensuing melee he skillfully pressed home his attacks so as to destroy three enemy aircraft. His superlative airmanship and aggressive tactics served greatly to overcome the enemy’s initial advantage and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.