The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Willie J. Blair (NSN: 0-363917), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 17 February 1945 in operations against the enemy. As pilot of a carrier-based torpedo plane, he paerticiapted in a coordinated bombing attack on an important engine plant in the vicinity of Tokyo. His determination to press home the attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and the opposition of enemy fighters resulted in the scoring of direct bomb hits on the engine plant which contributed to the destruction of this installation. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.