The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Maurice S. Brandt, Jr. (NSN: 0-354636), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight under fire while in combat with strong enemy forces as navigator in a Navy Patrol Bomber at Iwo Jima, Kazan Rhetto, on 12 October 1944. He skillfully and courageously performed his duties at his assigned battle station, fighting his aircraft against heavy enemy odds to such good advantage that of eight attacking enemy fighters, six were destroyed. His cool, effective performance of duty and his display of courage under fire, with total disregard for personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.