The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant John F. Bartholf, Jr. (MCSN: 0-14325), United States Marine Corps, for heroism, conspicuous gallantry, and meritorious achievement as a Section Leader of a Marine Torpedo Bombing squadron engaged in aerial combat activities in the Solomon Island and New Britain areas. First Lieutenant Bartholf participated in numerous night and daylight attacks upon heavily defended enemy land installations and shipping during the periods from 1 November to 10 December 1943, and from 26 January to 14 February 1944. In a night mine-laying mission conducted in Simpson Harbor, Rabaul, on 14 February 1944, First Lieutenant Bartholf courageously pressed home his attack which required straight and level flight at a slow airspeed and precariously low altitude in the face of numerous enemy searchlights and severe and intense heavy and automatic anti-aircraft fire. Before reaching his objective, First Lieutenant Bartholf was picked up by many enemy searchlights and was forced to maneuver his aircraft through an intense and accurate barrage of enemy anti-aircraft fire. Despite the enemy fire which repeatedly hit and damaged his aircraft, First Lieutenant Bartholf courageously and skillfully drove home his attack and released his mine in its assigned position in the mine field before being shot down by enemy fire. His high courage, devotion to duty, and superb airmanship throughout the entire attack was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.