(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Francis Sutherland, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a United States Navy Fighter Airplane, in action against enemy Japanese forces during World War II.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John F. Sutherland, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a United States Navy Fighter Airplane, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway on 6 June 1942. Participating in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces, he calmly and courageously pressed home his attack to within perilously short range of his objective, despite tremendous anti-aircraft barrage. By his stern perseverance and resolute devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important objective, he contributed greatly to the destruction of the enemy and to the victory achieved by our forces. His conduct on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.