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 Technical Sergeant Matthew A. Gajkowski, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight, while participating in aerial operations against the enemy on 23 December 1944. Each as a crew member of a heavy bombardment type aircraft, participated in a bombardment strike against the heavily defended and important enemy installation of Grace Park Airdrome in the Philippines. Despite the hazardous weather conditions and the long over water flight to and from the target, the mission was accomplished with much success. While over the target the formation was met by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire aided by enemy aircraft in the air assisting and directing the ground fire. Despite all these obstacles, great destruction upon enemy ground installations and the destroying of twenty to twenty-five enemy aircraft on the ground was accomplished. The cool courage in the face of great danger, the high degree of professional skill and devotion to duty displayed by each exemplifies the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.