The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Raymond E. Bingham (NSN: 2247851), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period 18 May to 30 June 1944. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Bingham completed his fortieth flight 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.