The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Aaron E. Altizer, Jr. (MCSN: 0-11291), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot and later as a Division Leader attached to Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-THREE (VMTB-143), operating in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas from 20 July 1943 to 2 March 1944. During three tours of duty, Captain Altizer participated in twenty-six damaging bombing and strafing attacks against Japanese shipping and ground installations. On 26 November, while leading two divisions in a strike against a strong battery of heavy anti-aircraft guns at Kahili airfield, Bougainville, he scored a direct hit upon and completely destroyed one of the emplacements. On 1 August, he took part in a strike against enemy shipping in Kahili Harbor, scoring a near miss on an armed cargo ship, aiding in the subsequent sinking of the vessel. His courage and superior airmanship contributed materially to the successful neutralization of Japanese airfields in the area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.