The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Paul Joseph Bruneau, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy. As Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Liberator on 19 May 1944, Lieutenant Bruneau sighted a four ship convoy protected by four enemy fighter planes (three Zekes and one Hamp) near and approaching Satawan Island, a strongly-fortified Japanese-held base. In the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition, a low level bombing attack was made, during which one enemy fighter plane was destroyed and a near miss was made by a bomb directed at a transport ship. The three remaining fighters broke off the engagement after a twenty minute chase. With extraordinary devotion to duty and perseverance Lieutenant Bruneau returned to the scene of the initial engagements when the fighters broke off. On returning he found that the convoy had reached the protection of enemy shore batteries; but, in the face of intense and accurate medium and heavy anti-aircraft fire from the enemy shore installations Lieutenant Bruneau pressed home two final low-level bombing runs which resulted in a hit on one enemy transport and left one picket boat smoking. One crew member was severely wounded and extensive damage done to the Liberator by enemy fire. It was only through outstanding airmanship that the damaged Liberator was returned safely to base. These acts, well above the normal expectation, serve as outstanding examples of courage and devotion to duty. They are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.