The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Cyrus Simmonds Beard (NSN: 0-299277), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTY (VF-50), embarked in U.S.S. BATAAN (CVL-29), in action on 20 June 1944. On an extremely hazardous, long-range mission against enemy surface forces between the Marianas and Philippine Islands when intercepted by a vastly superior number of enemy fighter airplanes which also had the altitude, he nevertheless attacked without hesitation. Again and again he engaged enemy fighters in the midst of a fierce and protracted aerial action, definitely shooting down two enemy airplanes, probably destroying one more and contributing materially to the protection of our bombing planes and the success of the mission. His determination, courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.