The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jesse Metcalf Bristow (NSN: 0-156763), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 24 March 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber he took part in an attack on an enemy convoy of seven ships in the East China Sea. Low clouds in the area necessitated attack from a minimum altitude. Despite damage to his plane from anti-aircraft fire and strafing as he approached, he released his bomb on his target, a large enemy merchantman, from an altitude of 200 feet, scoring a direct hit on the ship. The vessel was sunk, as were the others, as a result of the attack. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.