The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Electronicsman First Class Theodore L. Coleman, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Turret Gunner of a Torpedo Bomber Plane in Torpedo Squadron Eleven during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 2 to 11 July 1943. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Coleman assisted his pilot in carrying out bombing attacks against hostile bivouac areas and airfields and in furnishing air-to-ship liaison during the invasion of Munda, thereby contributing materially to the success of his plane. His skill, courage and devotion to duty in the face of anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.