The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Navy Award) to Acting Squadron Leader Denis R. Lawrence, Royal Australian Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during operations on 14 and 16 January 1944. Acting Squadron Leader Lawrence flew approximately 1,800 miles, much of the distance in daylight, to make accurate runs on the target in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from hostile shore installations and anchored ships. By superb airmanship and indomitable courage, he contributed in large measure to the uniform success of vital operations.