The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Leo Arnold Bird (NSN: 0-173730), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Air Group FIFTY-ONE, embarked in U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30). On 25 July 1944, while engaged in an anti-shipping search, he skillfully assisted his leader in the destruction of a Japanese plane and materially contributed to the destruction of an enemy destroyer and auxiliary boat, by pressing home repeated strafing attacks in the face of heavy return fire from the enemy vessels. His outstanding skill and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.