The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Raymond T. Burns (NSN: 0-355076), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Nansei Shoto during the period from 2 April 1945 through 24 May 1945. Ensign 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.