The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Joseph K. Bernard (NSN: 6521870), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period from 19 April to 10 May 1944. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Bernard completed his fortieth flight 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.