The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Archible G. Bittner (NSN: 0-354686), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in a nine day period between 18 March 1945 and 27 March 1945, in attacks against enemy shipping. During this period he inflicted heavy damage upon enemy shipping by a series of aggressive attacks. On 18 March he and his wingman attacked a small Japanese cargo vessel in the harbor at Nishincomate Tanega Shima. After three strafing runs, the ship burst into flames and exploded. On 24 March, he and his wingman attacked another small cargo vessel which exploded and sank. On the same day, he participated in an attack on an enemy convoy scoring two direct hits with rockets on the superstructure of a freighter transport which was heavily damaged and left burning and dead in the water. On 27 March, he scored two direct rocket hits on a very large enemy tanker in Naze Ko. During all of these attacks, he pressed home his attacks vigorously and with great skill and determination. His actions were inspiring at all times and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.