The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Horace Paul Arceneaux, Jr. (NSN: 0-378869), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 14 April 1945. Taking part in the interception of enemy aircraft which were approaching our surface forces off Okinawa he sighted an enemy fighter. He pursued the plane as it attempted to escape and, closing the range, opened fire. The plane burst into flames and crashed. Recovering from this encounter he attacked a second fighter, which crashed into the sea as a result of his fire. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Ensign Horace Paul Arceneaux, Jr. (NSN: 0-378869), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the Pacific Area from 17 February 1945 to 21 May 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane he participated in twenty combat missions in the vicinity of the Tokyo and southern Kyushu areas of Japan, the Nansei Shoto, and the Nanpo Shoto. During these flights he performed his assigned duties with courage and determination which were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.