The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant James F. Bachmeier (NSN: 0-112079), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of a Navy VENTURA during the period 15 September 1945 to 25 November 1945.. Lieutenant Bachmeier engaged in two minimum altitude night bombing attacks against the strongly defended Ballale Airfield, destroying enemy planes in revetments and starting large fires. He engaged in a coordinated bombing attack on Buka and Bonis airfields causing material damage to the enemy. He attack, single-handed, an enemy ship and, at another time an enemy submarine. He engaged in other bombing and strafing attacks against enemy positions. His outstanding display of high courage, skill, and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.