The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Hugh J. Blackwell (MCSN: 305289), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 9 November 1943 to 13 December 1943. Master Sergeant Blackwell 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.