The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman Third Class Howard “Clair” Barnes (NSN: 6135640), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 15 May 1945, the PBM piloted by Lieutenant, Junior Grade I. E. Marr, USNR, with Aviation Radioman Third Class Barnes as Radioman, in company with another PBM, attacked and sank one sea truck, one freighter, and one freighter transport, totaling 7,500 tons of enemy shipping, in a daring search of the Tsushima Straits area of Japanese Empire waters. The companion plane was damaged by 10 to 12 enemy fighter aircraft. One fighter immediately attacked and shot down Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Marr’s plane, and the crew was killed in the resulting explosion. The PBM bow gunner, however, shot down the fighter at the same time.