The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Keith H. Blanchard (NSN: 0-240612), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period from 21 to 28 July 1944. Lieutenant 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.