The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Frank John Bednarz (NSN: 7245646), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the crew of a PBM Patrol type aircraft on the night of 23 – 24 June 1945. While patrolling the China coast from northeast of Hong Kong to Heiling Islands, he found a convoy of three enemy ships. Unhesitatingly he single-handedly attacked these ships on a daring masthead bombing run. After sinking the largest ship by direct hit on the stern, he then attacked the remaining vessels by strafing in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire. Although in close proximity to a night fighter base and clearly visible in the bright moonlight and the illumination from the blazing ship which he had fired by bombing, he pressed home his attack until their destruction was certain. Continuing the patrol, he again encountered enemy vessels. He destroyed two more ships by direct hits on a single bombing run. His courageous actions on these occasions were outstanding and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.