The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Arthur Allen (NSN: 250855), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based fighter aircraft in an aerial flight against enemy forces while serving on the U.S.S. FANSHAW BAY (CVE-70), on 25 October 1944 in the Battle of Samar Island. When our escort carrier disposition in the Central Philippines was in imminent danger of destruction at the hands of an overwhelmingly superior enemy surface force consisting of battleships, heavy and light cruisers and destroyers, he flew his fighter airplane in repeated strafing attacks against these enemy units in the face of extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire and through his outstanding courage in pressing home these attacks he assisted materially in contributing to the enemy retreat and the repelling of the overpowering enemy attack, thus saving our disposition from almost certain destruction. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.