The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant James Aaron Masterson, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of a Patrol Plane in action against the enemy Japanese forces during the Aleutian Islands campaign in June 1942. Dauntlessly braving extreme weather conditions to carry out his attack missions against Japanese ships in Kiska Harbor, he was forced by low ceiling to fly through the clouds, deliver his dive-bombing and strafing attack and pull out into the clear at a very low altitude. Subjected to withering fire from ship and shore batteries during these low-altitude attacks, his plane was pierced by shrapnel and lighter caliber projectiles. His persevering and conscientious devotion to the accomplishment of an important mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.