The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Eric Henry Bruch, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Western Pacific from 14 April to 26 June 1945. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Bruch 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.