The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Marshall C. Freerks, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an airplane of Patrol Wing FOUR, in action against the enemy Japanese forces in the Territory of Alaska 1 to 15 June 1942. Establishing contact with a powerful enemy surface force south of Umnak Island on the morning of 4 June, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Freerks, despite tremendous anti-aircraft fire and insufficient aerial cover, reported vital information and transmitted radio signals to lead in attack forces until compelled to retire because of imminent fuel exhaustion. Throughout the remainder of the campaign he displayed inspiring initiative and utter disregard for personal safety by seeking out Japanese forces against powerful opposition and participating in all-night aerial patrols and bombing attacks on enemy vessels in Kiska Harbor. His courageous aggressiveness and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.