The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Charles J. Alley (NSN: 0-98488), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of a Patrol Bomber Plane in Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR (VB-104) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Area from 20 August 1943 to 19 March 1944. Completing numerous long-range search missions over enemy-controlled territory during the period, Lieutenant Commander Alley efficiently fulfilled his hazardous assignments and, on frequent occasions, braved hostile anti-aircraft fire to execute damaging attacks against targets of opportunity. By his courageous airmanship and devotion to duty throughout, he contributed directly to the success of his squadron in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.