The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Henry Balden, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based torpedo bomber on the night of 12 – 13 May 1945. Alone, without escort or fighter cover, he remained over a strongly defended airfield on the Japanese mainland for more than two hours, making repeated attacks which inflicted substantial damage on enemy installations. His skill and courage were an inspiration and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.