The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Arthur J. Behl (NSN: 0-99637), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a U.S. Navy Torpedo Bomber in combat against the enemy in the South Pacific Area during the period from 1 January 1944 to 21 January 1944. Lieutenant Commander Behl 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.