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 Commander John R. Dewenter, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet aircraft while Commanding Attack Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VA-23), embarked in U.S.S. MIDWAY (CVA-41), during a combat strike against a heavily defended airfield in North Vietnam on 8 May 1965. Although the approach to the target was defended by a heavy concentration of automatic weapons and anti-aircraft artillery, ranging from light through heavy caliber weapons, Commander Dewenter continued to lead the bombing attack, dived on the airfield and accurately dropped his bombs, which blew a crater in the runway at mid-field. He displayed exceptional competence and leadership in the planning and execution of these critical air strikes. His courage and airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.