The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Alfred Donald Austin, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as leader of a division of fighter airplanes based on the Escort Carrier U.S.S. MARCUS ISLAND (CVE-77). Lieutenant Austin was assigned the mission of strafing units of a Japanese force off Samar, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Austin led his division outstandingly in repeated strafing attacks, in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire. As he completed a run he saw enemy fighter planes approaching and immediately led his division into action against them, sending his own shells into the engine and cockpit of one of the aircraft, downing it. By his prompt, forceful action, he averted an attack on the planes he was escorting, and contributed materially to the victory of our forces. His courage and skill were in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.