The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander John H. Bear (NSN: 0-104946), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 16 September 1944 to 19 October 1944. Lieutenant Commander Bear 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John H. Bear (NSN: 0-104946), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations involving flying his fighter aircraft from the U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS (CVE-66), in diversionary individual strafing attacks against three enemy heavy cruisers and four enemy destroyers in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Bear, being without orders, immediately initiated his individual diversionary attacks against the leading Japanese heavy cruiser closing on his carrier formation. He handled his aircraft with such skill, daring, and determination that in spite of the intense enemy anti-aircraft fire of all types, he was able to execute three individual attacks directed at the bridge and naval guns of this leading enemy heavy cruiser. His skillful, courageous, and daring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.