"For heroism and extraordinary achievement (in command of that Night Air Group) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Honshu, Japan, from July 17 to 29, 1945..." he was awarded a Gold Star in, lieu of the Second Distinguished Flying Cross, The citation continues: "Flying a heckler mission against hostile airfields in Chosi-Mito area of Honshu on the night of July 17, Commander Avery boldly pressed home his attack and, although faced with hazardous weather conditions, remained over the target for almost two hours, making three circuits of the clouds. On the night of July 29, he piloted a night torpedo plane with a spotter aboard to spot for a night bombardment of Hamamatsu and braved enemy antiaircraft fire while spotting and assessing damage..."
