The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Cleo John Dobson, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. As a member of a Scouting Squadron, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Dobson participated in the initial attack on Kwajalein Atoll and in the subsequent attack on Wotje Harbor, Marshall Islands, on 1 February 1942. His initiative and determination in the execution of these missions, effected in the face of enemy fighter opposition and heavy anti-aircraft fire, resulted in heavy losses to the enemy, including one fighter damaged in combat, one submarine sank by a direct bomb hit and one auxiliary vessel damaged by a near miss. His courage and the effectiveness with which he accomplished his mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.