The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Harold Edwin Boysen (MCSN: 0-24629), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a fighter pilot and Division Leader, attached to Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands-Bismarck Archipelago Areas during the periods from 26 March to 8 May 1944; 17 June to 12 September 1944, and 16 September to 3 December 1944. On this latter date First Lieutenant Boysen was killed in action while leading a sweep over enemy territory. On 13 July 1944 he participated in an hazardous bombing mission to knock out anti-aircraft positions at a heavily defended barge and supply concentration on New Britain Islands. In an aggressive attack on the described target several large fires were started and considerable damage was inflicted on the defenses of an important enemy installation. On another mission, 18 August 1944, he participated in an attack to destroy anti-aircraft positions of a hostile Japanese Airdrome on New Britain Islands. In daring defiance of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, the mission was pressed to completion and contributed greatly in neutralizing the enemy defense. On 18 October 1944, he led a division in a bombing attack against a large enemy outpost on New Britain Island. Despite accurate anti-aircraft fire which holed his plane, he led his division in a determined attack which scored direct hits on the assigned target. First Lieutenant Boysen displayed skill and courage in carrying out his part of the mission, the success of which materially aided the efforts of friendly ground forces. His marksmanship and his outstanding ability as a fighter pilot and leader were an inspiration to all with whom he came in contact, and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.