The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lawrence E. Budnick, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a Fighter Plane attached to Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-63) aboard the Carrier U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63) on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Budnick, with utter disregard for his own safety, made continuous strafing attacks on capital ships of a Japanese Task Group until his ammunition was expended. These daring attacks were made in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers. His courage and gallantry were in accord with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.