The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George C. Benoit (NSN: 0-176548), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in over one hundred aerial flights in anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic during World War II. As pilot of a United States Naval aircraft operating form an escort carrier, often under extremely adverse weather conditions, he made many offensive flights during the conduct of anti-submarine warfare. His duties involved numerous hazardous take-offs and landings in low visibility and high seas, making superior airmanship a necessity to the success of the operations. His skill and fortitude in conducting these flights materially aided the forces with which he served in effecting substantial curtailment of enemy submarine activities. This outstanding performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.