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 Sergeant Joseph J. Abdella (MCSN: 467655), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands Area from 29 April to 16 May 1945. Sergeant Abdella completed forty missions which were flown in an active combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire or enemy airborne opposition was expected, and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Joseph J. Abdella (MCSN: 467655), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands Area from 7 March 1945 to 17 March 1945. Sergeant Abdella completed twenty missions which were flown in an active combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire or enemy airborne opposition was expected, and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.