The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign William Frederick Axtman, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Plane in an attack on a large enemy convoy in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands on 12 June 1944. In the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire, he attacked a cargo ship and so skillfully placed his bombs as to cause excessive under water damage to the ship which caused it to list heavily to starboard and later to sink. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.