The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant John A. Burkhardt, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as Waist Gunner Engineer of a B-24 airplane on many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe during World War II. Displaying great courage and skill, Sergeant Burkhardt, fighting from his gun position, has warded off many enemy attacks and has materially aided in the successful completion of each of these missions. The courage, coolness, and exceptional skill displayed by Sergeant Burkhardt on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.