The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign James C. Black (NSN: 0-337680), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against enemy forces as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY (VF-80), U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), from 14 December 1944 through 12 January 1945, in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands and French Indo-China. On 14 December 1944, he pressed an accurate bombing attack, obtaining a direct hit with a 500-pound bomb on an enemy mine layer, causing fires and extensive damage. On 3 January 1945, he obtained a direct hit with a 1,000-pound bomb on an enemy tanker, which later sank. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.