The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Maurice Dayton Burchfield (MCSN: 0-125776), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands, Empire of Japan. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period 18 May 1945 to 22 June 1945, he participated in twenty flights and strikes against enemy ground forces, airfields, fortifications and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.