The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Barry (NSN: 0-145990), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy installations and shipping in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands on 4 July 1944. Diving through extremely intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he scored a direct hit on the bow of a transport ship. Pulling out of his dive he strafed and stopped the firing of an enemy gun position. While still under enemy fire he circled the position where a friendly plane had crashed, looking for possible survivors. He was able to make such a conclusive report that there was no further need for sending additional search planes. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.