The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Bruce Higginbotham, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as co-pilot of a United States Naval Patrol Bomber Plane in Anti-submarine operations in the Bay of Biscay and the Western Approaches to the United Kingdom from 17 August 1943 to 25 June 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant Higginbotham contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.