The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class William Ray Bedwell (NSN: 6056371), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a gunner of a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber assigned to attack major units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. IN spite of adverse weather conditions and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he performed his duties skillfully during the attack and materially assisted his pilot in scoring a direct torpedo hit on a light cruiser which was seen to sink a few seconds later. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.