The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Vernon W. Bruce (MCSN: 0-26088), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a fighter pilot attached to Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-122) operating in the Western Carolines area during the period 1 October 1944 to 1 March 1945. First Lieutenant Bruce flew numerous hazardous missions against strongly defended Japanese positions. Despite heavy concentrations of enemy anti-aircraft fire, he conducted the attacks with courage and determination. His consistently accurate dive bombing and strafing contributed materially to the damaging blows inflicted upon the enemy’s installations, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.