The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Richard C. Barton (NSN: 0-106357), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period 4 to 14 July 1943. Lieutenant Commander Barton completed twenty 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.