The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Phillip Stuart Ball, Jr. (NSN: 0-121238), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to a fighter squadron during a strike against Japanese shipping in Rabaul Harbor, New Britain, on 11 November 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ball was flying as wingman in a division of fighters assigned to escort the striking force during the attack. Prior to the bombing attack, he with others of the flight, made a low level strafing attack against enemy vessels despite the intense anti-aircraft fire from shore batteries and the ships. During the retirement, after the bombing mission was completed, the formation was under constant attack by enemy fighter planes, and by superior airmanship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ball destroyed two of the Japanese aircraft. His outstanding ability and devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of the mission, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Lieutenant Phillip Stuart Ball, Jr. (NSN: 0-121238), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Kyushu and Nansei Shoto. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane during the period 10 February 1945 to 9 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.