The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Francis E. Blanchard (NSN: 2126467), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 16 March 1943 to 1 April 1943. Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Blanchard completed his fortieth flight 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Francis E. Blanchard (NSN: 2126467), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 16 January 1943 to 30 January 1943. Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Blanchard 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.