The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Merritt Harold Armstrong (NSN: 0-251398), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 14 July to 21 July 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Armstrong completed twenty flights 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.