The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harold James Bitzegio (NSN: 0-130522), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to Fighter Squadron SEVENTEEN (VF-17), operating in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas on 26 January to 7 March 1944. During this period, Lieutenant Bitzegio took part in twenty-eight combat missions over Japanese territory where he frequently encountered numerically superior enemy aircraft and heavy anti-aircraft fire. On 27 January, while escorting bombers during a strike against Lakunai airfield, Rabaul, New Britain, he shot down one and probably destroyed two more fighters which attempted to intercept the formation. On 6 February, he took part in a four plane fighter sweep which preceded a bombing attack against Lakunai airfield. In an engagement with a large number of enemy aircraft over the target area, he destroyed one of eight planes which were shot down in the action. On 10 February, he aided in destroying a Zero which attacked the bombers during their retirement from an assault on Vunakanau airfield near Rabaul. His superior airmanship and excellent teamwork contributed materially to the success of all missions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Lieutenant Harold James Bitzegio (NSN: 0-130522), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane, assigned to strike against enemy forces on 18 and 19 March 1945. As target coordinator on 18 March 1945 for a strike against military installations on the Japanese home island of Kyushu, he skillfully and effectively directed the attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire even though his own plane was damaged. He displayed fearless and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of extremely intense anti-aircraft fire by pressing home his attack on an enemy cruiser, on the Inland Sea, drawing the fire to himself and enabling the dive bombers he was escorting to make a devastating attack. His skill, courageous conduct and aggressive leadership were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.