The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant John E. Baxter (MCSN: 0-36350), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot in a Marine Observation Squadron employed with a Marine Artillery Battalion during operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 to 19 June 1945. Flying in extremely hazardous weather and in the face of enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Second Lieutenant Baxter flew numerous missions in an unarmed and unarmored plane, observing enemy activities and installations. On several occasions, he voluntarily proceeded to perilously low altitudes, often below one hundred feet, to locate and bring fire on the enemy, and while so doing his plane was hit by enemy small arms fire. His courage and 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.

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 John E. Baxter (MCSN: 0-36350), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Ryukyu Islands area on 17 June 1943. Second Lieutenant Baxter completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.