The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Richard Boettcher (NSN: 0-85301), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Shanghai, on 17 April 1945. As Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Seaplane, on a single mission he sank two enemy freighters and seriously damaged two enemy landing craft, while in close proximity to enemy bases and in imminent danger of attack by enemy planes. His courage, skill and aggressiveness were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.