The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Jerome A. Lovelace (NSN: 0-243198), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area, from 29 December 1944 to 15 April 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Lovelace contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.