The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Blair Forward, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot and Section Leader of an airplane in a Torpedo Squadron, attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade Forward flew one hundred and twenty-five miles over uncharted mountains and jungle to press home a successful torpedo attack against enemy ships, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and as a result of this attack three enemy ships were torpedoed and sunk.