The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles Paine Blades, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based dive bombing plane in an aerial flight against the enemy forces on 4 July 1944. While dive bombing an enemy ship in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands he courageously made his dive in the direction of intense anti-aircraft fire, due to cloud cover over the enemy vessel. His bomb hit contributing greatly to its sinking. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.