The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class William O. Burgess (NSN: 6654278), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 30 March 1944 to 6 May 1944. Aviation Radioman Second Class Burgess 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.