The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Radioman First Class Joseph Silva Balan (NSN: 6423377), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 13 June to 8 July 1944. Radioman First Class Balan completed his fortieth flight 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Radioman First Class Joseph Silva Balan (NSN: 6423377), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 21 February to 1 March 1944. Radioman First Class Balan 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.