The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Sigmund N. Austin (MCSN: 0-23916), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving as a Pilot in Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO (VMTB-232), in the Northern Solomon Islands and New Britain areas. On 14 January 1944, Lieutenant Austin took part in an attack upon enemy Japanese warships and merchant vessels in the strongly fortified harbor of Rabaul. In the face of devastating anti-aircraft fire and the fierce and unrelenting assaults of numerous enemy fighter planes, Lieutenant Austin courageously pressed his attack to a dangerously low altitude and succeeded in damaging an enemy cargo ship. While retiring from the harbor unaccompanied by other planes, he was attacked by an enemy type Zero fighter. Disregarding the overwhelming advantage which his enemy had by virtue of the vastly superior maneuverability and firepower of a fighter plane, Lieutenant Austin coolly and daringly turned towards the attacker. He demonstrated his superb airmanship and bravery by skillfully handling his aircraft so as to force the enemy plane to go below him to avoid a collision, thereby causing it to crash into the water. Lieutenant Austin’s quick thinking and courageous action in a dangerous situation resulted in the destruction of an enemy plane without firing a shot. His actions demonstrated a high degree of aerial skill and served as an inspiring example to other pilots in his squadron. His initiative and daring upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.