The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Paul Houston Black (MCSN: 0-32238), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands during the period 12 June to 30 June 1945. First Lieutenant Black completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.