The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Butler V. Avery, Jr. (MCSN: 0-27902), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a fighter Pilot attached to Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-122), operating in the Western Carolines area during the period 30 December 1944 to 29 March 1945. First Lieutenant Avery flew numerous hazardous strikes against strongly defended Japanese positions. Despite heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft fire, he conducted the attacks with courage and determination. His consistently accurate dive bombing and strafing contributed materially to the reduction of enemy installations, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.