The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James D. Batson (MCSN: 0-29423), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the China Sea – Ryukyu Islands Area from 21 February to 1 March 1945. First Lieutenant Batson 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.