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 Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Vernal L. Blood (NSN: 3685789), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 23 February 1945 through 3 May 1945. Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Blood 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Vernal L. Blood (NSN: 3685789), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 18 December 1944 to 20 February 1945. Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Blood 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.