The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Richard Davids Stephenson (NSN: 0-75050), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943. Knowing that enemy aircraft of superior speed and armament were in the vicinity, he piloted his scouting plane from the U.S.S. PHILADELPHIA seven miles inland to spot long-range naval gunfire. Until his plane was shot down, he courageously assisted in carrying out the mission assigned to him.