The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lawrence Edward Helmuth (NSN: 0-263772), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Pilot of a carrier based torpedo plane assigned to attack an enemy convoy in the vicinity of French Indo-China on 12 January 1945. Despite adverse weather conditions and in the face of moderate, accurate anti-aircraft fire he pressed home his attack and scored a torpedo hit upon an enemy light cruiser, which sank. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.