The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Robert Thomas Bachman, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands while serving as a Pilot in Composite Squadron NINETY-SIX (VC-96), in action on 3 June 1945. Ensign Bachman 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.