The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David B. Stearns (MCSN: 0-21857), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Marine Fighter Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-322) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, from 3 to 17 May 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Stearns contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.