The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Mervin L. Beil (NSN: 0-378512), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy as pilot of a carrier-based fighter-bomber aircraft in the fleet action in the East China Sea on 7 April 1945. He skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft under adverse weather conditions in a bombing attack against major units of the enemy fleet including a battleship, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked the enemy battleship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, scoring a damaging near miss with his bomb which contributed to the sinking of the vessel immediately after the attack. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.