The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Donald Joseph Burg (NSN: 0-121766), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 27 March 1945 as pilot of a cruiser-based seaplane in the rescue of a pilot shot down in the vicinity of Minami Daito Jima. He conducted the rescue in very rough waters in close proximity to and within gun range of the enemy shore and at great personal risk recovered the exhausted pilot from the water without assistance. He demonstrated superb airmanship in executing a most difficult take-off and bringing the rescued pilot to safety. His courage, resourcefulness and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.