The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Alexander William Berberich (NSN: 0-315715), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the vicinity of the Philippine Sea on 25 October 1944. flying a carrier-based fighter plane he participated in a highly successful rocket and strafing attack on several units of the enemy fleet. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from these ships, he pressed home his own rocket attack to extreme low altitude and obtained two rocket hits on a heavy cruiser. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.