The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign John O. Ellsworth, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot attached to a Fighter Squadron operating in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas from 27 October 1943 to 8 March 1944. Ensign Ellsworth took part in 71 combat missions over Japanese territory. His courageous conduct, excellent teamwork and superior airmanship contributed materially to the success of all missions.