The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Eugene Francis Bilz (NSN: 0-395253), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Kyushu, Nansei Shoto, Honshu, Shikoku, Wake Island, and Hokkaido, Japan. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane during the period 18 March 1945 to 10 August 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.