The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class William James Atkinson (NSN: 2596107), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific area during the period 11 February 1945 to 4 August 1945. Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Atkinson 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.