The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Ralph W. Long, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in action against a U-boat during World War II. Lieutenant Long skillfully maneuvered his plane into a favorable attack position. Coordinating with his fighters, who forced the submarine to dive, he delivered an accurate and timely blow on the submerging vessel, after which oil slick and bubbles were observed on the surface followed by a tremendous underwater explosion.