The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Bronislaw P. Antonik (NSN: 0-104331), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight both as Navigator and Commander of a bomber operating in the South Pacific Area from 26 August to 11 November 1943. During this period, Lieutenant Antonik participated in a total of forty-six night and day bombing and search missions, often being subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter plane opposition. On 26 September, while on a routine search, an enemy cargo ship was located, bombed and severely strafed. An explosion resulting from this attack left the ship in a sinking condition. The attack was made at such a low altitude that flying debris damaged the plane, which returned safely to the base, approximately eight hundred miles distant. On 11 November, during a reconnaissance flight over Nauru Island, the plane repulsed an attack by five enemy fighters, damaging two of them. His superior airmanship and courageous devotion to duty contributed materially to the highly successful air operations in this area. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.