The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Donald James Matthew Blakeslee (ASN: 0-885264), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot with the 4th Fighter Group, while leading his Fighter Group on thirty-eight missions over enemy occupied Europe, during the period of 9 August 1943 to 19 December 1943. Most of these were bomber escort missions and entailed deep penetrations into strongly defended enemy territory. Under the gallant leadership of Colonel Blakeslee, his units have on all occasions furnished excellent support for the bombers and have aggressively sought out the enemy, accounting for the destruction of fifty enemy aircraft and damage to many more. This brilliant record has been achieved with only minor losses to units under his command. The gallantry, determination and skillful leadership displayed by Colonel Blakeslee have been a constant inspiration to all serving with him and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.