The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Roy Otis Burnett, Jr. (NSN: 0-98538), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron EIGHTEEN (VF-18), in operations against enemy aircraft attempting to attack units of our Fleet off Formosa on 14 October 1944. As pilot of a carrier-based Fighter Plane he shot down three enemy aircraft while leading his division against an enemy formation numerically superior by almost three-to-one, thereby materially assisting in effecting the utter defeat and rout of the enemy formation. His leadership, skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.