The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Victor Theodore Buettner (NSN: 0-298951), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a torpedo bomber in action against the enemy in the vicinity of the Southern Ryukyu Islands. On 14 April 1945, during an attack on an enemy airfield, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and plunged earthward. In a heroic effort to permit his aircrewman a chance to escape, he stayed at the controls. His loyalty to his crew and the unselfish courage manifested in this action are a shining page in the record of his squadron. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.