The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Third Class Charles Norman Akers (NSN: 5596020), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Kyushu, and the Nansei Shoto. As aircrewman of a carrier-based torpedo bomber during the period 17 February 1945 to 14 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes resulting in extensive damage to enemy shipping, airfields, and installations. During these flights he performed his assigned duties with courage and skill which were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.