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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Donald James Matthew Blakeslee (ASN: 0-885264), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the destruction of five enemy airplanes in aerial combat over enemy occupied Continental Europe, while serving as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot with the 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.