The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert Olef Boe, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Composite Squadron NINETY-SIX (VC-96), in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands on 22 June 1945. Lieutenant Boe completed twenty flights 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.