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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stewart Bass (NSN: 0-31559), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Nansei Shoto, the Nanpo Shoto, and over the Japanese Homeland. As pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber during the period 10 February 1945 through 10 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stewart Bass (NSN: 0-31559), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in the Tokyo area on 16 February 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Plane, he dived through the intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to score direct hits on an important Japanese aircraft factory, causing extensive damage. Over the target, two planes in the formation were crippled, and the entire flight thereby was forced to proceed at reduced speed, while staving off aggressive enemy fighter attacks in a running battle fought across 80 miles of the Japanese homeland. His courage under fire and his superior airmanship were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.