The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Charles William DeMoss, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron Eighteen, attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID, in action against enemy Japanese positions on Northern Formosa, 12 October 1944. A skilled and daring airman, Lieutenant de Moss braved intense anti-aircraft fire to score a direct bomb hit and destroy a grounded enemy aircraft and, during the same flight, boldly engaged a superior force of Japanese planes. Fighting gallantly in spite of great odds, he succeeded in shooting down two of the hostile craft and, by his cool courage and resolute determination, contributed essentially to the complete rout of the enemy formation. His indomitable fighting spirit and fearless devotion to the fulfillment of a perilous mission over Japanese home waters reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant de Moss and the United States Naval Service.