The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Arthur L. Dittrick, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Bombing Fighting Squadron Three, attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN in action against enemy forces in the Japanese Homeland on 17 February 1945. Braving persistent enemy air opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire during an attack against enemy airfields in the vicinity of Tokyo, Lieutenant Dittrick skillfully engaged and shot down an enemy fighter and, pressing home accurate bombing and strafing attacks, contributed materially to the destruction of enemy installations and grounded aircraft. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.