The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of 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. On 4 March 1945, while serving as Aircrewman of a Navy Liberator Search Aircraft, he contributed to the destruction of two enemy medium bombers in aerial combat which were engaged simultaneously. They were the fourth and fifth enemy planes shot down by members of this crew in less than three weeks. The intrepidity of his actions, the cool skill and aggressiveness with which he performed his duties were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Walter J. Bryant, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 28 January 1945 to 18 April 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Bryant 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.

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.