The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Vernon J. Blanc, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period 4 March to 16 April 1944. Aviation Radioman Second Class Blanc 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.