The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Paul A. Bernas (MCSN: 0-37788), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands during the period from 9 June to 22 June 1945. Second Lieutenant Bernas completed two strikes and three combat air patrols, completing his twentieth mission against the enemy.