The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Third Class Robert Richard Bellinger (NSN: 8626124), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period 23 March to 11 August 1945. Aviation Radioman Third Class Bellinger 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.