The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, James Leonard Naftzger, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as pilot of an observation plane during the assault and occupation of enemy-held Attu Island, Territory of Alaska, in May 1943. Under extreme weather conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Naftzger executed repeated anti-submarine patrol missions and gunner spotting missions for both Army and Naval gunfire in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire. When faced with the possibility of having to jump because enemy anti-aircraft fire had damaged his left wing and the aileron controls therein to such an extent that his plane tended to roll at landing speeds, and upon being informed by his rear seat man that the latter was injured, his superb airmanship and unyielding determination enabled him to effect successfully a high speed, cross wind landing, thereby returning his crippled plane to its base and the injured man to a source of medical treatment. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.