The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Merlin R. Beckett (NSN: 0-300827), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a U.S. Army Air Force reconnaissance plane during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Ensign Beckett qualified himself in the handling and operation of fighter type planes in order to conduct, against probable enemy aerial opposition, observations of the results of naval gunfire on shore targets and its adjustment by aerial spotting. From 15 to 29 August 1944, he carried out innumerable spotting and reconnaissance sorties and on each occasion throughout the critical assault phase furnished timely and accurate observations by which battleships, cruisers and destroyers of the bombardment group were able to deliver effective fire against enemy coastal defenses, concentrations and strong points. He executed all missions with fearless precision even though constantly subjected to have anti-aircraft fire and the threat of aerial attack. The expert airmanship, cool and courageous action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Ensign Beckett were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.