The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Paul D. Searles (NSN: 0-175541), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a technical observer in a carrier-based Torpedo Plane during World War II. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Searles accompanied his squadron commander in the initial pre-dawn raid on Marcus Island and displayed brilliant technical skill in locating the target despite clouds, darkness, rain and fierce enemy opposition. His skill insured the success of the flight in starting fires among the grounded aircraft which guided other planes in subsequent attacks.