The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Virden E. Barnes (NSN: 0-326455), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Nansei Shoto during the period 1 April 1945 through 18 April 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barnes completed ten strikes and 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.