The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William C. Hirsch, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. Completing two dangerous operations in Kahili and Faisi Harbors despite illumination and close-range anti-aircraft fire, he aided materially in the destruction of two hostile vessels. Although intercepted by a hostile air force, he also contributed to the sinking of five Japanese destroyers and three cargo vessels and to the damaging of one light cruiser and two destroyers.