The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Kenneth Robert Andersen (NSN: 0-326196), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY (VT-80), embarked in U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), against enemy forces on 16 January 1945. Ensign Andersen was pilot of a Torpedo Plane in a bombing attack against heavy enemy shipping in the China Coast area. With superb skill he scored a bomb hit on a large freighter although confronted with extremely hazardous and adverse weather conditions and in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire. This example of fearlessness, skill and aggressiveness was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.