The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gerald Max Barnett (NSN: 0-145419), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based airplane in operations against enemy shipping on 12 January 1945, in French Indo-China. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he made a torpedo attack on an enemy transport and scored a hit which contributed to the sinking of the ship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.