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 Staff Sergeant Raymond C. Byrnes, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while serving as waist gunner on many high altitude heavy bombardment missions against the enemy over Continental Europe, during a period ending 26 September 1944. Sergeant Byrnes repelled numerous hostile fighter attacks by his excellent marksmanship, thereby assuring the safety of the crew and aircraft. The courage, presence of mind and devotion to duty while engaged in aerial combat on all these occasions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.