The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Rex Ballew, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands on 22 June 1945. Aviation Radioman Second Class Ballew 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.