The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Darwin R. Brueland (NSN: 6212042), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during operations against the enemy in the forward areas of the Central Pacific between 28 March 1945 and 7 April 1945. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Brueland 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.