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 Staff Sergeant Ronald F. Asheton (MCSN: 347848), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 20 July to 28 July 1944. Staff Sergeant Asheton 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.