The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman First Class Robert E. Bates, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 14 May to 8 June 1944. Aviation Radioman First Class Bates 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.