The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William M. Blair, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for distinguished and heroic service as a Seaplane Pilot attached to the Northern Bombing Group, in active operations co-operating with the Allied Armies on the Belgian Front during September, October and November 1918, bombing enemy bases, aerodromes, submarine bases, ammunition dumps, railroad junctions, etc.