Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    May 12 – 13, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0988 (July 6, 1945)

    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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 10 (VT-10)

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 03059 (July 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign William Henry Balden, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of Torpedo Squadron TEN (VT-10), in action against enemy shipping in Truk Atoll. On 17 February 1944, he was a pilot in a flight of torpedo bombers launched from a carrier on a nigh minimum altitude bomber attack which destroyed and damaged a substantial number of enemy ships. This attack was executed in darkness against ships inside the lagoon, in the face of great danger from intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, and under exceptionally difficult and hazardous circumstances. His courage, judgment, skill and relentless determination to destroy the enemy contributed greatly to the success of this attack, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    June 20 – July 5, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Henry Balden, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 20 June 1944 to 5 July 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Balden completed his fortieth flight 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    March 30 – April 21, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Henry Balden, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 30 March 1944 to 21 April 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Balden 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    May 13 – 14, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third 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 13 – 14 May 1945. After long, over-water navigation on a moonless night, he repeatedly attacked a strongly defended base on the Japanese mainland causing substantial damage to enemy installations. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.