The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert A. Ballard, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands during the period 1 April 1945 to 16 May 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ballard completed twenty strikes and 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.