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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Anthony J. Elbertz, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while participating in aerial operations against the enemy on 13 April 1945. During this mission, each as a crew member of a heavy bombardment type airplane, assisted in destroying reinforced concrete installations and torpedo and munitions storage buildings on the strongly fortified enemy held base of Marcus Island. Despite the fact that they were unable to take-off with the regular formation they voluntarily took the plane up and carried out the mission without the protection of the formation. Throughout this mission, the skill and unwavering determination together with the courage and devotion to duty displayed by each, exemplifies the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.