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 Second Lieutenant Lester E. Bartels (MCSN: 0-37734), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot in a Marine Observation Squadron attached to a Marine Division during operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 10 May 1945 to 11 May 1945. Flying in extremely hazardous weather and in the face of enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Second Lieutenant Bartels flew numerous missions in an unarmed and unarmored plane, observing enemy activities and installations. On several occasions when terrestrial observations was extremely restricted and our own troops were receiving heavy fire from well-concealed enemy positions, he voluntarily proceeded to perilously low altitudes, often below one hundred feet, to locate and bring fire on the enemy, thus enabling our troops to advance. His courage, skill, complete disregard for his own personal safety, and devotion to duty contributed materially to the successful conclusion of the operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (40th Flight