The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Henderson Burnett, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands. As pilot of an escort carrier-based Fighter Plane during the period 16 February 1945 to 20 March 1945, he 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.