The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Patrick Dawson Fleming (NSN: 0-100296), United States Navy, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Bombing Fighting Squadron 80 (VBF-80), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy air installations and air power in the Tokyo area on 17 February 1945. He led a division of planes on a fighter sweep and personally destroyed four enemy aircraft in the air amid heavy anti-aircraft fire. His courage, determination and leadership, in the face of enemy superiority, during the entire action were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.