The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Wortham S. Ashcroft (MCSN: 0-7077), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Scout Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-141), in the Solomon Islands Area. On 15 October 1942, First Lieutenant Ashcroft led an attack on five enemy transports engaged in landing operations, and in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. He so skillfully led the attack that he and one other pilot scored direct bomb hits on two transports setting them afire and seriously impeding enemy landing operations. The valor and skill he demonstrated in this action was typical of every engagement in which he participated until he was reported missing in action on 8 November 1942. His courageous determination and his ceaseless and untiring efforts, maintained at great personal risk, contributed to the success of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.