The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman First Class Edward Charles Blackley (NSN: 6141579), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period from 19 December 1944 to 8 March 1945. Aviation Radioman First Class Blackley 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.