The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Dennis W. Ballant (MCSN: 0-24808), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea while serving as a pilot attached to a Maine Fighter Squadron. On 7 July 1951, Captain Ballant took off with his division from an advanced air base on a special strike to destroy a known enemy supply dump. Despite adverse weather and hazardous terrain, Captain Ballant led his flight safely into the objective. Notwithstanding the heavy accurate anti-aircraft fire being received from the target area and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Ballant initiated his attacks. Repeatedly he bombed and strafed the target until the entire area was in smoke and flames. With his remaining bomb load he then attacked a newly built bridge scoring a direct hit. As a result of these attacks a large enemy supply area was completely destroyed and a rail bridge along a main supply rail route was seriously damaged. Captain Ballant’s skillful flying and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.