The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Franklin Elwin Blandin (NSN: 8688931), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Philippine Islands Area from 18 February 1945 to 20 May 1945. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Blandin 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.