The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William Earl Crowe (MCSN: 0-9423), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), Marine Air Group TWELVE (MAG-12, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific War Area from 12 May 1943 to 17 June 1943. Leading a three-plane flight to intercept enemy twin-engined bombers near Santa Isabel Island on 10 June, Captain Crowe skillfully pressed home his attack, destroying two of the hostile aircraft and contributing to the destruction of all the Japanese planes without loss to his flight. Throughout this period, he led flights on escort missions, strafing attacks against shore installations and shipping. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.