The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Sidney Earl Bailey, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Radioman Gunner of a Torpedo Plane during the Battle of the Coral Sea, 8 May 1942. Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Bailey assisted in an attack on an enemy aircraft carrier while being subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire. During an attack by enemy aircraft on the squadron, two Type 97 Japanese fighter planes were shot down and destroyed by rear seat gun action. His plane scored a torpedo hit on the enemy carrier which contributed to her probable destruction and to the victory attained by our forces.