The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Ernest L. Bailey (NSN: 0-395233), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy shipping while serving as a pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Ise Bay, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 1945. In spite of anti-aircraft fire he pressed home his dive bombing attack against an enemy destroyer-escort, scoring a direct hit. Upon retirement the warship was last seen with the stern awash. His courage and skill in carrying out a successful attack were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.