The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Burns (NSN: 0-326381), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Philippine Islands Area from 18 December 1944 to 22 February 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burns 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.