The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John R. Bicknell (NSN: 0-305678), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period from 1 June 1944 to 16 December 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bicknell completed twenty flights 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.