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 Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Alanson Walker Bowden, Jr. (NSN: 2089999), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 7 March 1945 to 13 May 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Bowden 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.