The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William R. Broocke, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 19 April 1945 to 10 June 1945. Lieutenant Broocke 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.