The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Paul E. Anderson (MCSN: 0-20999), 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 British Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas from 25 November 1943 to 3 May 1945. During two tours of duty, Lieutenant Anderson took part in forty-two damaging attacks on Japanese shipping, airfields and shore installations, frequently encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition. On 9 April, while on a strike against an enemy airfield near Rabaul, New Britain, he destroyed a control box. His courage and superior airmanship contributed materially to the success of offensive aerial oppositions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.