The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant French Wampler, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, while serving as Pilot of and Section Leader of 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 Wampler flew one hundred and twenty-five miles over uncharted mountains and jungle to press home a successful torpedo attack, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and as a result of this attack, three enemy ships were torpedoed and sunk.