AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  PBY-5A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John F. Ree for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Co-Pilot of an unarmed PBY-5A aircraft, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo area, August 13, 1945. Despite intense fire from enemy anti-aircraft batteries and nearby Naval vessels, First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) Ree greatly assisted the Pilot in landing his plane in the waters of Tokyo Bay and then in effecting the rescue of three carrier-aircraft survivors, thereby saving them from inevitable capture or death. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Military Service.