The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Thomas W. Burris, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific area from 27 February 1945 to 15 May 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Burris 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.