The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Emerick J. Barbustiak (NSN: 6534502), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in numerous acts during operations against the enemy in the forward areas of the Central Pacific between 28 January and 20 April 1945. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Barbustiak 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.