The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Walter J. Brauer (NSN: 0-390531), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane assigned to strike against enemy air and surface forces in the vicinity of the Japanese home islands and the Ryukyu Islands. On 12 April 1945, while on target combat air patrol he shot down three enemy planes. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.