The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Richard C. Beckwith (NSN: 8104597), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Western Pacific from 29 March to 3 July 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Beckwith completed twenty anti-shipping and patrol flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.