The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William J. Slone, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. Serving as Air Liaison Officer during landing operations at Rendova and Munda, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Slone courageously repelled two attacks by Zeros, although unescorted by fighter plane protection, and succeeded in blasting one Zero from the sky. He successfully completed three night flights, contributing to the destruction of four hostile destroyers and four other vessels and the damaging of a light cruiser and two destroyers.