The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class R. E. Blair (NSN: 6711575), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 16 May to 3 June 1944. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Blair 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.