The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Radioman First Class Earl W. Ward (NSN: 6568461), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as air crewman of a scout bomber in Bombing Squadron ONE (VB-1), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, in action against major units of the Japanese fleet in the east China Sea on April 7, 1945. Unceasingly vigilant during the furious strike against a formidable enemy task force, Ward skillfully located the enemy units and manning his gun with aggressive determination as his pilot plunged in coordinated attack against a Japanese cruiser, aided materially in destroying the hostile warship. Undaunted by a terrific burst of anti-aircraft fire which struck the plane and set it afire during a subsequent daring run on an enemy destroyer, he remained steadfast in his battle station and continued relentlessly to fire his weapon when the pilot broke the blazing plane’s glide and resumed a 60-degree dive in an apparent attempt to crash the destroyer’s deck. Unwavering in his devotion to duty, Ward, by his indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding technical ability and gallant fortitude in the face of almost certain death, contributed essentially to the ultimate destruction of two Japanese warships and his unfaltering courage throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.