The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Auckland Marston Banks (NSN: 8300534), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. In the period between 11 November 1944 and 30 January 1945, as a turret gunner of a Ventura aircraft he completed twenty extended offensive reconnaissance missions from Tacloban Field, Leyte Island, Philippine Islands, and Pitoe Strip, Morotai Island, Netherlands East Indies, during which contact with the enemy was expected and probable. His action on these occasions showed a high degree of professional skill, determination, and devotion to duty, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.