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 Staff Sergeant Bernard J. Long, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North African and Mediterranean Theaters of Operations during World War II. Consistently, throughout many combat missions against highly important and strategic enemy installations, the personnel listed below have demonstrated the highest order of professional skill, heroism, leadership, and devotion to duty. Although regularly and frequently opposed by large numbers of enemy fighters, together with intense, accurate, and heavy anti-aircraft fire during which their aircraft were, at times, seriously damaged, these men have fought through to their targets and aided in the destruction of these vital objectives. Despite severe and adverse weather conditions, rugged terrain, and many other major obstacles and hazards, these men have gallantly engaged, fought, and defeated the enemy without regard for their own personal safety and against great odds. Their conspicuous and extraordinary achievements throughout these many missions against the enemy have been of inestimable value to successful combat operations and have reflected great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.