The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William W. Aitcheson (NSN: 0-126034), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Western Pacific from 12 February 1945 to 18 May 1945. Lieutenant Aitcheson completed his twentieth anti-shipping and patrol 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.