The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Willis S. Lees (MCSN: 0-9428), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in combat with the enemy while serving as a Fighter Pilot during the Solomon Islands campaign. During the period from 24 August to 15 September 1942, he shot down two enemy aircraft. Assisted by another Marine Corps Fighter Pilot he shot down a third enemy aircraft while operating with his squadron from the airfield on Guadalcanal. His courage throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.