Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 341 (VMSB-341)

    Action Date:

    December 31, 1943 – May 15, 1944

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: A-210 (December 8, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Lawrence William Ball (MCSN: 0-19158), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a pilot of a diver bomber while attached to Marine Scout Bombing Squadron THREE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-341), during the period from 31 December 1943 to 11 February 1944, and operating in the Bismarck Archipelago Area from 4 April 1944 to 15 May 1944. Lieutenant Ball took part in numerous successful dive bombing attacks on enemy airfields, enemy surface craft and enemy supply and bivouac areas repeatedly in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition, thereby aiding materially in the neutralization of Rabaul as an effective enemy operating base. On one occasion he scored an effective damaging hit on a large transport in Simpson Harbor, Rabaul and on another occasion he scored a damaging hit on a heavy gun position defending an enemy airfield at Rabaul. On seven additional missions he demolished six Japanese warehouses and one bridge and also a large Japanese barge, thereby destroying great amounts of supplies and hindering enemy communications. The courage, determination and disregard of personal safety displayed by First Lieutenant Bell are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.