The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Harold James Azbell (NSN: 0-395552), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights, as Pilot of a carrier-based plane in operations against the enemy. On 10 May 1945, he carried out his twentieth mission, a strike against Minami Daito. In the process of the execution of the twenty missions, he attacked Japanese airfields and installations, shipping, aircraft and ground forces, the action taking place over Kyushu, Honshu, and the Nansei Shoto. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.