The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Walter J. Bryant, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Philippine Islands Area. On 20 February 1945, while serving as Aircrewman of a Navy Liberator Search Aircraft on a long search and reconnaissance patrol, he directly contributed to the destruction of two enemy planes and the damaging of a third in aerial combat. His superior skill and intrepidity in combat were exemplary and highly instrumental in the success of this mission. His courageous and efficient actions and his inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.