The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Francis Xavier Bushner (NSN: 0-112396), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a Fighter Plane in Composite Squadron THIRTY-THREE (VC-33), on 18 June 1944. He led his four plane division to intercept an enemy raiding group consisting of twelve to fifteen fighters and eight to ten bombers. Although outnumbered five-to-one, he led his division in such a skillful and determined attack that the enemy group was scattered and dispersed. He then joined six other aircraft launched to support him and was directed at maximum speed to intercept a second raiding group of eighteen enemy fighters and fifteen bombers which had approached to within twenty miles of our surface forces. He again led his division in attack and succeeded in frustrating the enemy group to the extent that only a few enemy planes ever reached their objective. During these actions, he definitely destroyed three enemy aircraft and probably destroyed two others, without damage to himself or his aircraft. He showed great courage in making his attacks and in their successful completion, he demonstrated qualities of leadership and flying ability that were outstanding. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.