The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Ira F. Bewley (NSN: 6166279), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight under fire. On 20 June 1944, during the invasion of the Marianas, he was turret gunner in a Torpedo Bomber which hit an enemy carrier in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. He coolly and efficiently manned his guns during his pilot’s glide bombing attack and drove off two attacking enemy planes, greatly assisting in his pilot’s scoring two direct hits on the carrier. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.