The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William G. Buckelew (NSN: 0-125724), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as Naval Aviator, Fighting Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VF-23), during the operations of U.S. Naval Forces against Rabaul, New Britain, on 5 November 1943. As high cover, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Buckelew skillfully employed defensive tactics in escorting torpedo bombers safely top the target, with the result that enemy fighters encountered during the approach did not press home attacks. Without regard for his own safety, he covered the bombers to the final break-off point, despite withering anti-aircraft fire. While proceeding to the rendezvous point, four enemy fighters suddenly attacked his division. With skillful maneuvering he destroyed one of the enemy planes. Upon reaching the rendezvous point, he took position over the group of dive bombers, and brought them safely back to base.