AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  SBD-3, OY-1

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Arthur F. O'Keefe for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Scout Bombing Plane in Marine Scout Bombing Squadron Two Hundred Thirty-two in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 20 August to 16 September 1942. A skilled and daring airman, penetrating enemy-controlled territory in twenty-nine hazardous flights, Second Lieutenant O'Keefe carried out bold scouting, search and reconnaissance missions, attacks upon enemy surface vessels and ground installations and flights in support of our troops, rendering valiant service throughout each vital assignment despite the enemy's repeated anti-aircraft opposition. On 6 September, when his plane became inoperative just prior to his take-off for a mission directed against vessels and shore establishments at Gizo Harbor, Second Lieutenant O'Keefe obtained another ship and, proceeding unescorted to the assigned target area, succeeded in bombing the harbor and in returning to his base without once sighting any of the other craft participating in this flight. By his outstanding ability, aggressive spirt and unwavering devotion to duty at grave personal risk, he contributed to the success of his Squadron during a period of intensive aerial activity, and his courageous conduct reflects great credit upon Second Lieutenant O'Keefe and the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Arthur F. O'Keefe for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial attacks against enemy forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. During this period, Major O'Keefe, in addition to his regular duties as a Division Assistant Air and Operations Officer, volunteered and successfully flew more than ten valuable missions over enemy lines at low altitudes in an unarmored aircraft, carrying an aerial observer or photographer as passenger. Throughout this time, he was subjected to intense enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, and in constant hazard from our own supporting fires. His plane, one of our first aircraft on Moto Yama Air Field, Number One, was operated under extremely hazardous field conditions which included observed enemy mortar and artillery fire, mines, booby traps, and windblown volcanic sand, exigencies which prevented routine plane checks and necessitated crosswind landings and take-offs while operations were limited to a single runway. All of his missions were successfully, skillfully, and exemplarily completed. Though his plane was damaged by enemy fire, it was skillfully returned safely to the base. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.