In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to LT. MARTIN LAURENCE DANA, USNR for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. He was engaged in a combat mission and occupied as a pilot and Air Spot in a plane over Japanese held Wotje Island during a bombardment delivered by a surface vessel. He received orders to proceed to Maloelap, seventy-two miles distant and rescue, if possible a crashed fighter pilot whose plane had been shot down and who was only three miles from hostile Taroa Island. He was flying the only seaplane in the area and affected the rescue under the most trying conditions of wind (force 20-25 knots) and sea within effective range of Japanese anti-aircraft guns. His deliberate courage far exceeded the mere performance of duty and the professional skill employed was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service."

Signed by C. W. Nimitz, Admiral, U. S. Navy

In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, takes pleasure in presenting the AIR MEDAL to EARNEST CARROLL PORTERFIELD, ARM1c, US NAVY for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

"For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. He was engaged in a combat mission and occupied as radioman in a U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY plane over Japanese held Wotje Island during a neutralizing bombardment delivered by that vessel on 7 February, 1944. This place received orders to proceed to Maloelap, seventy-two miles distant and rescue, if possible, a crashed pilot whose "Wildcat" fighter plane had been shot down and who was reported to be swimming in the lagoon only three miles from hostile Taroa Island. In Maloelap Lagoon, within range of enemy guns, his plane nearly capsized during the process of getting the injured flier aboard. He prevented this disaster by climbing up the port wing until the starboard one, which was partly submerged, came free of the water. Before the take-off, he lightened the plane and made room for the added passenger by jettisoning the twin machine gun installation and loose gear, including his own parachute. His alacrity in hooking on the plane during the subsequent recovery alongside the cruiser in a heavy sea and a 30 knot wind, greatly aided the recovery in keeping with the highest tradition of the naval service."

Signed by C. W. Nimitz, Admiral, U. S. Navy