The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Michael Apalategui (NSN: 5650378), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Southwest Pacific Area. During the period from 18 December 1944 to 26 February 1945, Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Apalategui participated in twenty-one flights in an active combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective and enemy aircraft patrols usually occur. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.