The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Albert W. Stevens, U.S. Army Air Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight as commander and scientific observer of the National Geographic Society Army Air Corps Stratosphere Balloon Flight which started from the vicinity of Rapid City, South Dakota on 11 November 1935, ascended to the greatest height ever attained by men, and successfully landed near White Lake, South Dakota, with the scientific equipment and the valuable records it contained intact. Capitan Stevens maintained a steadfastness of purpose, thoroughness of preparation, and professional attainments of the highest character in the execution of this flight. To his scientific knowledge may be attributed in large measure the acquisition of valuable data regarding the realm of the stratosphere.