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 Evan W. Pickrel, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight with Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VB-116), from 22 June 1944 to 1 March 1945. In the successful completion of these missions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Pickrel contributed materially to the success of United States efforts. By his undaunted courage, superb airmanship, and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Pickrel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.