The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Anton R. Beam (MCSN: 834867), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Radio Gunner of a Scout Bomber Plane in Marine Scout Bomber Squadron Two Hundred Forty-Three during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands area from 5 to 13 March 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Technical Sergeant Beam contributed materially to the success of his plane. His skill, courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.