The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign James Anton Blazek, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based torpedo bomber on the night of 12 May 1945. Alone, without escort or fighter cover, he repeatedly attacked a strongly defended airfield on the Japanese mainland. Staying over the target for almost two hours, he started one large fire, numerous smaller fires and inflicted extensive damage on ground installations. His intrepidity and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.