The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Radioman Earle Baker Perce, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in hazardous aerial flights in the Antarctica 1939 – 1940. Chief Radioman Perce served as Co-Pilot and Radio Operator for the airplane on many of the flights during which new mountain ranges, islands, and 700 miles of previously unknown Antarctic coast line were discovered. These flights were made over heavy broken pack ice where a forced landing would have resulted in a crash, and where rescue would have been practically impossible. Particularly outstanding in aerial achievement was the final evacuation of the personnel from the East Base on 22 March 1941. In the successful accomplishment of this hazardous undertaking, Chief Radioman Perce demonstrated an unusually high degree of sound judgment, courage and professional skill which reflects great credit upon the Naval Service.