The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Ray Edward Arnold, Jr. (NSN: 3767005), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against a major enemy surface task force in the vicinity of the Central and Northern Philippine Islands on 24 and 25 October 1944. As Turret Gunner his cool performance of duty in the face of airborne opposition and intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire contributed much to the success of the mission enabling his pilot to score a torpedo hit on an enemy battleship. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.