The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Third Class Robert J. Aitchison (NSN: 7112678), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Formosa, Philippine Islands, French Indo-China, Volcano Islands, Nansei Shoto and Kyushu. As radioman and tail gunner of a carrier-based torpedo plane during the period 3 January to 5 April 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations materially assisting in the success of the missions by his skillful performance of duty. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.