The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Denzel L. Crist, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights while serving with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VA-115), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea during the period from 6 August to 19 October 1950. As Pilot of an Attack Bomber attached to the U.S.S. PHILIPPINE SEA (CV-47), he participated in 35 strike missions over enemy territory.