The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Eugene V. Austin, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while participating in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands on 24 May 1945. Aviation Radioman Second Class Austin 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.