The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Donald W. Ballard (NSN: 0-350835), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Liberator plane on nine combat photographic missions over the home territory of the enemy from 17 July 1945 to 14 August 1945. Much of the area photographed was heavily defended by anti-aircraft concentrations and fighter bases, and heavy anti-aircraft shells burst near his plane on three of his flights. On one occasion he lost one of his engines and partial power in another engine. His leadership and presence of mind in jettisoning equipment and his resourcefulness and skillful airmanship in securing many high quality photographs of great value to the allied cause were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.