The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class William D. Bakun (NSN: 2252543/658309), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in materially assisting his pilot in two torpedo attacks. These attacks were carried out in the face of intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire. The first attack upon a Japanese battleship was carried out without the benefit of diversionary bombing or strafing and resulted in one torpedo hit. The other attack upon another Japanese battleship resulted in two torpedo hits. During these attacks he skillfully and courageously manned his gun and spotted anti-aircraft fire for his pilot and the approach and retirement.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class William D. Bakun (NSN: 2252543/658309), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 3 January 1945 to 22 June 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Bakun 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.