The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Samuel D. Aaronson (MCSN: 0-18298), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot attached to a Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron operating in the South Pacific area from 1 November 1943 to 7 March 1944. During this period, Lieutenant Aaronson took part in twenty-two combat missions against Japanese installations and shipping in the Bismarck Archipelago area, frequently encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and heavy fighter plane opposition. On 8 February, during a height attack against shipping in Keravia Bay, New Britain, he scored a direct hit upon and probably sank an enemy submarine. On other occasions, he scored effective hits on a large cargo vessel in Simpson Harbor and direct hits on runways, revetment areas and anti-aircraft positions at Lakunai, Tobera and Vunakanau airfields near Rabaul. His courageous conduct and superior airmanship contributed materially to the success of all missions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.