The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Benjamin Richard Barclay (NSN: 0-263684), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based scout bomber airplane against a large enemy task force in the Northeastern Philippine Area. On 25 October 1944, in the face of continuous and intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy air opposition, he scored a damaging near miss on an enemy aircraft carrier which contributed to its sinking. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.