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 Captain Cecil A. Alexander, Jr. (MCSN: 0-11286), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Scout Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE (VMSB-231), during the period from 8 September 1944 to 14 September 1944. Captain Alexander completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.