The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign John H. Biermann, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands area during the period 29 April 1945 to 8 June 1945. Ensign Biermann 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.