The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert H. Ballard (MCSN: 0-21311), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to a Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron operating in the British Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas from 25 November 1943 to 3 May 1944. During two tours of duty, Lieutenant Ballard took part in thirty-eight damaging attacks on Japanese shipping, airfields and shore installations, frequently encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition. On 14 March, while on a strike against enemy shipping near Rabaul, New Britain, he scored a hit on a cargo vessel. His courage and superior airmanship contributed materially to the success of offensive aerial operations and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.