The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Wilfred Joseph Bilodeau, Jr. (NSN: 2023424), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircrewman in a Patrol Plane in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE (PVB-131) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 30 December 1944 to 5 April 1945. Participating in twenty combat missions during this period, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Bilodeau contributed materially to the success of his plane. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.