(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) William Ball, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Navy Award) to Colonel (Air Corps) William Ball, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Air to the Commanding General, United States Army Forces in the South Pacific Area from 28 April to 28 May 1943. During this period of intensive air operations, Colonel Ball worked closely and effectively with the Commander South Pacific Area and South Pacific Force and with the South Pacific Joint Staff in the conception and successful execution of the many offensive aerial operations carried out in the Solomon Islands campaign. His efficient coordination of the activities of the Army Air Force with those of the Navy and the Marine Corps units, contributed greatly to the ability of our forces to exert their greatest strength against the enemy and administer a series of crushing defeats. His initiative, forceful leadership, and broad understanding of combined operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.