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The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant J. Logan Fagner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 25 October 1951. As pilot of a highly vulnerable helicopter, Lieutenant Fagner flew into an area near Taegwang-ni, Korea, reported to harbor more than one thousand enemy troops, to effect the rescue of an observer of a liaison aircraft. The observer had parachuted from his ship, which had burst into flames after being hit by enemy fire. When notified of the location of the downed airman, Lieutenant Fagner flew with fighter escort directly to the position. Locating the victim in an area where shells were bursting, Lieutenant Fagner made a fast, low approach, executed a quick stop, and picked up the observer by the use of cable hoist and sling. Lieutenant Fagner then climbed his helicopter to altitude as he reeled the observer in and transported him safely to the nearest Mobile Army Surgical Hospital where the victim was treated for serious burns suffered before parachuting. By his high degree of heroism at the risk of his own life, Lieutenant Fagner has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade Patrick M. Fant (NSN: 0-492685), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Wingman in a flight of two Attack Bombers attached to Attack Squadron Seven Hundred Two (VA-702), and serving with Carrier Air Group ONE HUNDRED ONE aboard U.S.S. Boxer (CV-21) in Korea on 20 May 1951. With complete disregard for his own personal safety in the face of heavy and light anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fant skillfully assisted in repeated bombing, napalming and strafing attacks on a Chinese Communist staging area near Nu-san, Korea. He was instrumental in interrupting enemy troops preparing to stage an attack on our front lines by destroying gun positions, automatic weapons, supplies and an estimated one hundred fifty troops. His courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Warren F. Farnam for outstanding heroism and extraordinary meritorious achievement while flying as Bombardier and Navigator on a combat mission over enemy-held territory in Korea on 11 August 1951. It was necessary to penetrate the most hazardous weather to reach the target area, which was a convoy of trucks near Koksan. This officer directed the aircraft through an almost solid undercast using superb navigational skill in avoiding high mountainous terrain to guide the Pilot on three superlative bomb runs on the target. Lieutenant Farnam then directed the Pilot on fifteen strafing attacks at extremely low altitudes, some while only a few feet above the terrain. Secondary fires and explosions were observed. Twenty-five trucks were destroyed and twenty to thirty more damaged. Only after all the armament had been expended and the optimum results achieved did Lieutenant Farnam direct the Pilot through the cloud cover back to the home base. As a result of this mission, vital supplies and transportation were destroyed, seriously hampering the enemy’s potential. The conduct displayed by Lieutenant Farnam on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
"Portland Man Wins Honors"
"The distinguished flying cross has been awarded to a Portland man, 1st Lt. Scotty O. Ferguson, for extraordinary achievement in leading a flight of F-84 Thunderjets at the 58th fighter bomb wing on an attack against a vital Communist command post in Korea only yards away from United Nations' forces. The strike took place nearly a month before the cease-fire ordered in July. Lt. Ferguson was credited with displaying superior courage and airmanship in leading the flight to demolish the enemy position. The lieutenant's wife, Barbara, and three children live at 4206 S. E. Ramona street. His mother, Mrs. E. M. Ferguson lives at the same address." - Portland Oregonian
By direction of the President, First Lieutenant William James Ferguson, AO 2221608, United States Air Force, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. First Lieutenant William James Ferguson distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against an enemy of the United Nations on the night of 17 May 1953, while serving as pilot of a B-26 attack bomber of the Third Bombard Wing (Light), Fifth Air Force. Lieutenant Ferguson and his crew were briefed to perform armed reconnaissance against enemy main supply routes. While reconnoitering their target area a large convoy of vehicles was sighted an immediately attacked. Despite enemy antiaircraft fire a series of bombing runs were made against this prime enemy target. Displaying exceptional flying ability Lieutenant Ferguson was able to destroy seven vehicles by fire and explosions. By his personal courage and devotion to duty Lieutenant Ferguson has brought great credit upon himself, his organization and the United States Air Force.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ernest Charles Fiebelkorn (AFSN: AO-753639), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an F-82 type aircraft of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, in action on 6 July 1950. Captain Fiebelkorn led a flight of four F-82 all-weather fighter type aircraft to the Suwon-Seoul area, Korea, upon very short notice, and over a long distance under extremely adverse weather conditions. The mission of the flight was to contact a forward control aircraft in order to receive instructions for strafing a group of enemy tanks that had broken through our lines. The entire target area was covered by a low under cast and after several unsuccessful attempts by Captain Fiebelkorn to contact the controller aircraft, he did voluntarily let down through the dangerous undercast over mountainous terrain, in a final attempt to make contact and engage the enemy. No more was heard from Captain Fiebelkorn by the remainder of the flight waiting aloft. The exemplary courage and selfless devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Fiebelkorn reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine attack squadron in Korea. On 16 June 1953, Captain Fine led a division of Marine attack aircraft on a high priority close air support mission to seek out and destroy enemy automatic weapons and mortars that were causing serious damage to advancing friendly troops. Promptly locating the carefully camouflaged objective, Captain Fine initiated a daring dive bombing assault in the face of intense hostile antiaircraft fire. Diving to minimum altitude, he skillfully maneuvered through the precipitous terrain and scored direct bomb hits that caused large secondary explosions. With the target now clearly defined for the remainder of the flight, he then led repeated low level attacks that inflicted heavy enemy casualties and demolished the hostile strongpoint. Captain Fine's bombing accuracy and exemplary leadership were responsible for the success of a flight that substantially reduced pressure on front line elements of the United Nations ground force. His courageous conduct and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 1716
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Two Hundred Fourteen (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 August 1950. Participating in extremely close air support of attacking troops in the Naktong River area, Captain Finn repeatedly exposed himself to fierce hostile small arms fire, coolly remaining over hostile territory throughout an intense friendly artillery barrage, in order to seek out and pinpoint enemy positions impeding the advance of friendly ground forces. Boldly leading his division in rocket and strafing attacks, he forced an enemy withdrawal but, observing that the retreat was to well-prepared positions, seized the opportunity to return for devastating runs on the moving troops. Delivering a continuous hail of machine gun and rocket fire into the enemy's ranks, he succeeded in causing a complete rout, personally scoring a direct hit which destroyed a hostile anti-tank emplacement. By his ability as an airman, outstanding leadership and courageous devotion to duty in the face of tremendous personal risk, Captain Finn contributed materially to the advance of friendly ground troops in the area and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet - SPOT: Serial 1109
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Two Hundred Fourteen (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 3 August 1950 to 17 September 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Captain Finn participated in attacks against enemy installations in the face of hostile small arms and accurate heavy anti-aircraft fire, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. By his courage, professional skill and devotion to duty, Captain Finn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 8459
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star lieu of an Eighth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Two Hundred Fourteen(VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. Leading his division in a close air support mission to aid friendly forces entering the heavily defended city of Seoul, Captain Finn carried out a daring low-level search for two well-hidden hostile tanks which were holding up the advance of our troops. Although his plane was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, he located the enemy vehicles, marked their positions by strafing and directed his flight in repeated attacks until both tanks were destroyed, thereby permitting the continued advance of the friendly forces. Spotting several hostile anti-aircraft weapons which were keeping the division under constant fire during the strike, he immediately launched bold rocket and strafing runs and silenced the enemy guns. By his initiative, superb airmanship and courageous devotion to duty throughout this engagement, Captain Finn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Silver Star lieu of a Ninth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard James Finn (MCSN: 0-13672), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Two Hundred Fourteen (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. Sicily (CVE-118), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 6 September 1950 to 7 December 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Captain Finn participated in daring flights over enemy territory in the face of hostile fire and contributed materially to the success of his unit. His courage and skill and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Harold E. Fischer (AFSN: AO-2204126), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Element Leader of four F-80 aircraft on 11 June 1951. While on an armed reconnaissance mission near Munam-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Fischer located an anti-aircraft position harassing his flight with intense and accurate flak. Disregarding the hazardous terrain and adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Fischer led his flight into the fire, and on his initial pass, scored a direct hit with a napalm bomb which completely destroyed the flak position. After three successful strafing attacks, Lieutenant Fischer personally destroyed a concentration of approximately thirty troops with his remaining napalm bomb. Total destruction by his element amounted to three anti-aircraft positions, more than fifty troops, and over forty stacks of supplies. Lieutenant Fischer's aggressive leadership and flawless tactical airmanship reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
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 Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Harold E. Fischer (AFSN: AO-2204126), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Number Two Man in a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, on 26 November 1952. While on a fighter sweep along the Cong Chong River, a large concentration of enemy aircraft were reported south of the Yalu River and Lieutenant Fischer's flight was cleared to proceed north. Over the Suihe Reservoir Lieutenant Fischer's flight encountered a flight of four MiG-15 type aircraft and the number three man, being in the most advantageous position, was cleared to make the bounce. Following the second element in, Lieutenant Fischer observed two more MiG-15 type aircraft and upon receiving clearance from his leader, initiated an attack. Lieutenant Fischer scored decisive hits on one MiG-15 type aircraft and the pilot was observed to eject. By his personal courage and exceptional airmanship in this action and throughout his service with the Far East Command, Lieutenant Fischer has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Donald E. Fisher, Jr. (MCSN: 0-48488), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-312), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 January 1953. Participating in a high priority aerial assault against a heavily defended and vitally important railroad tunnel located along the main enemy rail route near Sariwon, First Lieutenant Fisher maneuvered his aircraft through the precipitous terrain and conducted a daring low-level assault that scored decisive rail cuts, despite intense hostile bracketing fire from the slopes on both sides of the tunnel. Although his plane was seriously damaged by enemy defensive fire when he began his second run, he resolutely pressed his attack and, diving to minimum altitude, skipped a bomb directly into the southern entrance of the tunnel. As a result of the explosion which followed, large amounts of debris were blown from both portals and the southern portal was completely sealed. While another member of the flight conducted a low-level damage assessment, he skillfully maneuvered his stricken aircraft on flak suppression runs. By his superb airmanship, courage and determination, First Lieutenant Fisher was directly responsible for the complete destruction of a vital link in the enemy's re-supply of front-line troops by rail and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: All Hands (January 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] James L. Fletcher, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Member of a Patrol Plane Crew in Patrol Squadron Forty-Seven (VP-47), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 2 July to 25 December 1950. Completing thirty-five combat missions during this period, he participated in daring strikes against the enemy in the face of imminent hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition. By his outstanding skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
First Lieutenant Fred R. Fonck is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 11 July 1951. Leading a flight of four (4) F-51 type aircraft, First Lieutenant Fonck displayed outstanding airmanship when he led his flight through low hanging clouds and intermittent rain showers direct to the target area at Chorwon, Korea, where he and his flight carried out a series of destructive attacks using napalm, rockets, and machine guns on enemy troop concentrations, troop billets, and machine gun emplacements in this area. Despite intense automatic weapons fire, First Lieutenant Fonck pressed successive attacks on enemy troops then diverted his attacks to the billets in the nearby town, where he destroyed or burned ten (10) buildings with rockets and machine guns. He then directed the attacks of the other members of his flight on cleverly concealed enemy emplacements near the village. Although adverse conditions necessitated diving and climbing through low clouds on each attack, First Lieutenant Fonck continued his attacks, harassing enemy positions until all ammunition was expended. First Lieutenant Fonck, in addition to destroying ten (10) buildings, was credited by the mosquito controller with fifty (50) enemy troops killed. He then reassembled his flight and led them through instrument conditions to the home base. By his persistent attacks against the enemy, First Lieutenant Fonck greatly reduced the enemy's ability to wage war in this area. By his high courage and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Fonck has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: All Hands (January 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class William P. Ford, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Member of a Patrol Plane Crew in Patrol Squadron Forty-Seven (VP-47), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 2 July to 25 December 1950. Completing thirty-five combat missions during this period, he participated in daring strikes against the enemy in the face of imminent hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition. By his outstanding skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an Airborne Intercept Operator attached to Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron Five Hundred Forty-Two (VMF(AW)-542), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 21 September to 11 December 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Technical Sergeant Frederick participated in combat flights against the enemy, primarily at night in adverse weather conditions and over mountainous terrain, thereby contributing materially to the success of his aircraft. His courage, skill and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Captain Paul C. Fritz distinguished himself while acting as aircraft commander of an unarmed transport during the period of 2 December to 9 December 1950. Captain Fritz made repeated missions to the Chosin Reservoir area delivering critically needed supplies to the surrounded United Nations troops and on return trips maximum loads of sick and wounded were evacuated to areas of safety. Captain Fritz was directly responsible for saving the lives of many United Nation’s personnel. Despite continuous enemy fire, hazardous terrain and inclement weather, Captain Fritz displayed great courage and ability and contributed in great measure to the successful evacuation of all sick and wounded from the Chosin Reservoir area. Captain Fritz has brought great credit upon himself as well as the USAF.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman First Class Glenn L. Fuller for extraordinary achievement and outstanding airmanship while participating in aerial flight on 21 March 1953 as Weather Observer on an unarmed, unescorted RB-26 type aircraft of the 6166th Air Weather Reconnaissance Flight, Fifth Air Force, on a daylight weather reconnaissance mission deep in enemy-held North Korea. Despite a threatened attack by enemy fighter-type aircraft near the North Korean city of Sariwon and intense fire from enemy automatic anti-aircraft weapons north of Kaesong, Airman Fuller aided materially in the directing of successful evasive action from the enemy fire and made weather observations at each of the points along the briefed route. The weather data provided Fifth Air Force, by this mission, proved of greatest assistance in the planning and execution of effective air strikes against enemy targets. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty Airman Fuller has brought great credit upon himself and the United Stated Air Force.