The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Mason Bush, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands on 13 April 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bush 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.