The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Richard Bucaro (NSN: 0-368650), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Composite Squadron NINETY-SEVEN (VC-97), attached to the U.S.S. SHIPLEY BAY (CVE-85), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands, from April 13 to June 22, 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bucaro contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.