The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant George K. Ayers (MCSN: 0-17121), 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 area from 25 November 1943 to 3 May 1944. During two tours of duty, Lieutenant Ayers took part in thirty-five damaging attacks on Japanese shipping, airfields and shore installations, frequently encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition. On 2 April, while participating in a strike against an enemy supply area near Rabaul, New Britain, although his plane was badly damaged, he bombed and destroyed a large warehouse. His courage and superior airmanship contributed materially to the success of offensive aerial operations and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.