The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank William Ackermann (NSN: 0-83921), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in Japanese Empire waters. As Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Patrol Bomber on 29 April 1945, just off the shoreline of Japan near Tokyo Bay, he destroyed two heavily armed Picket boats, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from the Picket boats and from shore batteries. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Frank William Ackermann (NSN: 0-83921), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander, Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHT (VB-108), during the operations of U.S. Naval Forces against the Marshall-Gilbert Islands on 2 December 1943. While on a long-range search and reconnaissance flight he skillfully conducted a daring and destructive attack on the enemy base of Mille Island, strafing the island and boats in the harbor, dropping depth charges close to a ship, and destroying two and damaging one of nine enemy aircraft that intercepted his plane during the raid. This accomplished, he continued and completed successfully a patrol mission which required a flight of over fourteen hours. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank William Ackermann (NSN: 0-83921), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 22 April to 10 June 1944. Lieutenant Commander Ackermann completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.