The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Rudolf W. Matz, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron One, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Marianas and Bonin Islands from June 25 to July 9, 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Matz carried out bombing and strafing attacks against enemy shipping and installations, inflicting damage on the Japanese and contributing materially to the success of his squadron. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty in the face of heavy hostile anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Matz and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Rudolf W. Matz, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot in Air Group One, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, June 19, 1944. Encountering strong enemy forces en route to attack his Task Force in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Matz engaged the hostile aircraft in combat and pressed home relentless attacks. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Service.