The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate William A. Beneigh, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period from 23 December 1944 to 23 March 1945. Aviation Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Beneigh 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.