The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Donald Robert Begin (NSN: 0-145991), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based plane in operations against the enemy in the Pacific. On 2 May 1945, he carried out his twentieth mission, a strike against Amami O Shima. In the process of the execution of twenty missions, he attacked Japanese airfields and installations, shipping, aircraft, and ground forces, the action taking place over Kyushu, Honshu, and the Nansei Shoto. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.