The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class John Crawford Berlinger (NSN: 5518548), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an aircrewman of a carrier-based dive bomber airplane which attacked enemy fleet forces on 20 June 1944. In spite of heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire from enemy ships, he manned his guns and strafed the decks of enemy warships within range during his retirement, materially aiding in knocking out the enemy anti-aircraft fire. Upon return toward our own forces his pilot was forced to make an emergency water landing because of lack of fuel. He was ready with the life raft in the few seconds allowed before the plane sank, saving his pilot and himself until picked up by a destroyer. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.