The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Walter Nicholas Baust (NSN: 7104546), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights during operations against the enemy in the forward areas of the Central Pacific, between 19 December 1944 and 17 February 1945. Aviation Radioman Second Class Baust 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.