The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Jesse Theron Barker (NSN: 106011), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 24 September 1944 in the vicinity of the Central Philippines. As pilot of a fighter-bomber and leader of a three-plane division, he initiated, in the face of intense accurate anti-aircraft fire, an attack which resulted in the destruction of a large enemy tanker. He obtained a direct hit in a low-level bombing attack which started the vessel burning, and on a second attack, his accurate strafing caused an explosion on the vessel’s stern, resulting in her sinking. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.