The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Phenton Y. Blackwell, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the combat area of the Pacific during the period from 17 May 1945 to 20 July 1945. Ensign Blackwell 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.