The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Morgan Frederick Ammons (NSN: 0-299020), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight near the coast of Formosa on 2 March 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ammons was the pilot of a Navy PBM aircraft directed to attempt the rescue of a B-25 crew reported down about four miles off-shore from this formidable Japanese stronghold. Intelligence reports indicated that some 41 enemy fighter planes were based on two airfields in the vicinity. When his fighter cover was forced to turn back because of the lack of fuel he contacted a relief escort, and three other fighters joined the rescue plane. With this meager protection, knowing that the fighters would have to leave before the mission was completed, he flew toward the designated area until the survivors’ raft was sighted and made a successful landing in heavy seas. While his aircraft was still on the water the fighter planes had to leave because of a dwindling gasoline supply and the PBM had to remain without protection while the rescue of three airmen was effected. Contacted on the return trip by an enemy fighter which trailed him for 40 miles, he maintained flight at dangerously low altitude to prevent an attack, carefully conserving his fuel supply, and made a night water landing at his base with only a 5-minute fuel reserve. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ammons during this flight are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.