The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Bernhardt Bierie (NSN: 321116), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Composite Squadron NINE (VC-9), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Nansei Shoto, from 25 March to 20 June 1945. Completing his twentieth flight during this period, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bierie contributed materially to the success of his squadron in inflicting heavy damage on the enemy. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.