The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Michael P. Bagdanovich (NSN: 0-62008), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane and Commander of an air group in the New Ireland area, from 25 December 1943 to 5 January 1944. During this period Commander Bagdanovich led two combined air groups against eight enemy combatant ships and several supply ships in Kavieng Harbor, sinking one destroyer, two large cargo vessels and three barges. In addition, two cruisers, four destroyers, several small cargo ships, and many barges and one torpedo boat were severely damaged and possibly sunk. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and large numbers of attacking enemy fighters, Commander Bagdanovich obtained valuable reconnaissance photographs during each action. His outstanding leadership and courage contributed materially to the success of the operations, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.