The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Thomas F. A. Stanley (NSN: 0-278614), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based dive-bomber during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 – 20 June 1944. Ensign Stanley faced anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition to attack a fleet oiler. Scoring a direct hit amidships, he contributed to the destruction of the vessel.