The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Lee Jay Archer (NSN: 0-300807), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the leader of a section of carrier-based fighter planes assigned to an escort and strike mission against the Japanese Fleet in the Philippine Islands area on 26 October 1944. After escorting a flight of bomber planes safely to the target he led his section in repeated bombing and strafing attacks on a Japanese cruiser. His courageous and determined action in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire silenced part of the enemy anti-aircraft batteries and diverted the fire of others from the bombing planes he was assigned to protect, thus enabling them to complete their mission effectively. His courage and complete disregard of his personal safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.