The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Robert J. Bilodeau (NSN: 7617605), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands on 14 April 1945. Aviation Radioman Second Class Bilodeau completed twenty strikes or 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.