The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant James Eugene Ball, Jr. (MCSN: 0-19204), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot in Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR (VMTB-134), engaged in aerial combat activities in the Solomon Islands and New Britain areas during the periods from 25 November to 28 December 1943 and 13 February to 7 April 1944. First Lieutenant Ball participated in numerous attacks upon heavily defended enemy land installations and shipping. On 17 February 1944, in an attack on a large cargo vessel in Keravia Bay, New Britain, which was so situated as to require a shallow glide at a precariously low altitude parallel to anti-aircraft positions along the shore which were directing intense and accurate fire at the formation. Lieutenant Ball pressed home the attack to score a direct hit with his rockets and then, at the risk of being caught in the explosion caused by the rockets, he continued his run to drop his bombs on the same vessel. His courageous action contributed in large measure to the destruction of the enemy cargo vessel. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.