The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class William E. Anderson, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the aircrew of a U.S. Navy Patrol Bombing Aircraft engaged in anti-submarine operation in the Bay of Biscay and the Western Approaches to the United Kingdom during the period from 17 August 1943 to 25 June 1944. Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Anderson completed twenty flights as Aircrewman in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.