The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Leo B. Blocker (NSN: 0-106872), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in a series of meritorious acts while participating in aerial flight from 9 August 1944 to 24 August 1944. Lieutenant Commander Blocker 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.