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General Orders: All Hands (September 1954)
Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Electronicsman Louis R. Pappas, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6), during operations against enemy aggressor force in Korea from 8 July 1950 to 28 January 1951. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, he participated in patrol and reconnaissance flights over an active combat area in the face of grave hazards and contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His skill, courage 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 10 June 1953, in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force. On this day, Captain Parr was flying in a flight of four F-86's on a patrol deep within North Korea. As they neared the Yalu River, Captain Parr's flight was attacked by a large force of MiG's and split up into elements of two, but he and his wingman evaded the MiG's in the break. Captain Parr then observed two more MiG's heading for the Yalu River, using clouds for concealment. He and his wingman headed for them in a high speed dive. Captain Parr broke out of the clouds on the MiG's at a very close range, and although he was having trouble controlling his aircraft due to the high speed, he nevertheless opened fire, placing a concentrated burst of fire into the MiG's engine section. The MiG was observed to explode. Although Captain Parr's aircraft sustained damage from parts of the enemy aircraft flying back, he was able to control his aircraft, and upon returning safely to his home base, was credited with the destruction of one MiG-15. This action is typical of the outstanding courage and exceptionally aggressive flying ability of Captain Parr, and reflects great credit upon himself 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 Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 June 1953, in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force. On this date, Captain Parr was leading a flight of four F-86's flying protective cover for a slow flying reconnaissance aircraft when the RF-80 was attacked by an enemy MiG-15. As the MiG pulled up to fire on the unarmed RF-80, Captain Parr attacked the enemy MiG, and closing to 1,5009 feet, fired a long burst directly into the MiG's fuselage. The MiG immediately caught fire, and just before it spun into the ground and crashed, the pilot was observed to eject. At this time another MiG-15 attacked the reconnaissance aircraft, and Captain Parr again initiated another vicious attack. He closed to 1,800 feet range and fired several bursts at the enemy aircraft, scoring multiple hits and causing the enemy to break off the attack on the RF-80. Captain Parr then escorted the reconnaissance aircraft to his remaining targets and back to friendly territory safely. Upon return to his home base, Captain Parr was officially credited with destroying one MiG-15 and damaging another. This action is another example of the outstanding flying ability and fearless courage of Captain Parr, and reflects great credit upon himself 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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against the enemies of the United Nations in Korea, on 7 June 1953, as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force. On this day, Captain Parr was flying number four man in a four-ship flight deep within enemy-held territory when he sighted two enemy MiG's far below his flight. Captain Parr saw that he was the only aircraft in the flight that had a tactical advantage on the enemy aircraft, and received permission from his element leader to attack the MiG's. Captain Parr rolled over into a vicious diving attack and began firing on the MiG's. During the battle, Captain Parr's gunsight ceased to function, but without the gunsight Captain Parr still managed to destroy one of the MiGs and damage the other MiG. Captain Parr was then attacked by six more MiGs who had observed the battle. Captain Parr broke hard to the left as the lead MiG of the attacking force opened fire on him, and began a series of violent maneuvers to elude the attacking MiGs. The lead MiG tried to turn inside of Captain Parr on the initial break and in doing so lost control of his aircraft and was seen to snap and enter a spin near the ground. The MiG pilot ejected just before his aircraft hit the ground and exploded. Captain Parr was credited with the destruction of two MiGs and the damage of one MiG on this mission. This action is an example of the outstanding courage and exceptional flying and tactical abilities of Captain Parr, which brought great credit upon himself, the United Nations 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 Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 12 July 1953 in aerial combat against an enemy of the United Nations in Korea while piloting an F-86 aircraft of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force. While leading a two-ship flight of F-86's on a combat air patrol in North Korea, Captain Parr sighted a formation of four enemy MiG-15's crossing the Yalu to the South using a low cloud cover for concealment. Immediately initiating a high speed diving maneuver, Captain Parr dived through the overcast to attack, as he closed to fire, two of the enemy aircraft evaded him by crossing the Yalu. The two remaining enemy MiG's turned hard into Captain Parr's attack, but through superior skill he maneuvered his aircraft into attacking position and brought his guns to bear on one of the MiG's, scoring multiple hits in the engine section with several bursts of his deadly fire. The MiG began burning fiercely and desperately tried to escape, but Captain Parr tenaciously pursued the MiG firing all the while. After scoring more hits on the enemy aircraft, the pilot was observed to eject and his flaming aircraft crashed into the ground. Upon return to his home base, Captain Parr was officially credited with the destruction of one MiG-15. This action exemplifies the courage, superior skill, and aggressive airmanship displayed by Captain Parr throughout his combat tour, and reflect 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 Chief Aviation Electronicsman Leif A. Pedersen, 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.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 206 - 27 September 1950
The first Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight is awarded to First Lieutenant Ivan M. Peller, 04556782, Artillery, 90th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, 9 August to 7 September 1950 in Korea. During the period indicated First Lieutenant Peller performed 50 combat missions in support of the 25th Infantry Division. Despite antiaircraft and small arms fire and hazards of weather and mountainous terrain, he flew close-in missions to spot targets for United Nations aircraft and obtain valuable reconnaissance information. His untiring and courageous work was of inestimable value to the success of Division operations. Entered the military service from Oklahoma.
Lieutenant Harold V. Pepper, United States Naval Reserve is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a pilot in Fighter Squadron Seven Eight One, operating from the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, in attacks on hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist forces. Lieutenant Pepper participated in twenty armed reconnaissance missions on vehicular and rail routes most frequently used by the enemy. During the period from 31 May 1951 to 18 July 1951, in the face of great enemy anti-aircraft fire he aided his division in the destruction of enemy rail and supply facilities, strafed enemy gun positions, and destroyed numerous enemy vehicular and rail cars in the Changjin, Orori, and Hungnam areas. Lieutenant Pepper performed his assigned missions with skill and courage. His devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Lieutenant Harold V. Pepper, United States Naval Reserve, is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a pilot of Fighter Squadron Seven Hundred Eighty One, operating from U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard in attacks against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist forces. While on an armed reconnaissance mission on 2 November 1951, Lieutenant Pepper was flying as flight leader of a flight of F9F jet aircraft when he discovered and led his flight against an enemy troop and supply convoy in the enemy held Tanchon area. Despite intense medium and light anti-aircraft fire from portable weapons within the convoy and the extremely hazardous mountain terrain which made attacks most difficult, Lieutenant Pepper persistently attacked this convoy with low-level rocket and strafing runs causing an estimated one hundred fifty casualties among the troops which ran from their troop carriers and exploding and burning eleven of the supply vehicles and five of the troop-carrying trucks. These fires burned so fiercely that they spread through three nearby enemy warehouses where intermittent explosions caused their destruction or heavy damage. The effective destruction of this supply group interrupted a delivery of vitally needed supplies and equipment to the frontline enemy troops. His courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
By direction of the President, First Lieutenant Hans J. Petermann, AO2084983, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. First Lieutenant Hans J. Petermann distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement as navigator-bombardier of a B-26 attack bomber on the night of 14 October 1951 while participating in aerial flight against an enemy of the United Nations. While reconnoitering the main supply routes north to Pyongyang, North Korea, Lieutenant Petermann sighted a convoy of eight vehicles moving south. An immediate low-level bombing attack was pressed under his expert direction and one napalm bomb was dropped. Two vehicles were observed to burn and explode. Another convoy of twelve trucks was sighted nearby and again Lieutenant Petermann verbally directed his pilot on to the target with consummate skill. Intense and accurate flak was encountered in the vicinity, but Lieutenant Petermann calmly pinpointed their positions thus aiding the pilot in taking evasive action while keeping the trucks under continuous attack. So highly coordinated was this action that three trucks were destroyed by fire and explosions and two more probably damaged. Lieutenant Petermann's exemplary navigational skill and untiring efforts are a credit to himself, his organization, and the United States Air Force.
First Lieutenant Garvin A. Peters, United States Air Forces is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. During a strafing attack against tanks of the hostile forces near Seoul, Korea, 2 July 1950. First Lieutenant Peters was severely wounded by shrapnel from hostile anti-aircraft fire. First Lieutenant Peters, with all of his flying instruments and throttle quadrant shot away and in great pain due to a fractured left wrist and both hands torn with shrapnel wounds, did pilot his F-82G aircraft in a highly superior manner and returned this aircraft to its home station. By his skillful flying under these hazardous conditions, he did save his radar observer's life and the aircraft.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Edward Phillips for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of an Attack Bomber in Attack Squadron One Ninety Five, based on board the U.S.S. Princeton, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 May 1951. Participating in a daring torpedo strike against the Hwachon Reservoir Dam, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips approached the objective at extremely low altitude over rugged terrain in the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and, although forced to recover through winding, narrow valleys, scored an effective hit on the target. With the torpedo attacks completed, he accompanied his flight to a secondary target near Chunchon and carried out a series of destructive bombing and strafing runs on hostile troop and gun positions in close support of friendly ground forces. By his expert airmanship, marked courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Phillips was greatly instrumental in the success of a vital mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Phillips, Floyd G. (USMC) (2nd award)
Phillips, Leslie W. (USMC)
Phillips, LTJG Robert B. (USN)
Pickering, LTJG Richard C. (USN)
General Orders: All Hands (June 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Richard C. Pickering, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6), during operations against enemy aggressor force in Korea from 8 July 1950 to 28 January 1951. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, he participated in patrol and reconnaissance flights over an active combat area in the face of grave hazards and contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His skill, courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
SPOT: Serial 1112
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Jack Pittman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-27123), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron Three Hundred Twelve (VMF-312), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 October 1951. Participating in a close air support mission in the vicinity of Oryang-ni, Technical Sergeant Pittman carried out repeated strafing attacks against enemy troops entrenched in strategic positions overlooking advancing friendly forces and inflicted extensive damage on the hostile trenches, bunkers and personnel. Spotting an enemy tank and a group of trucks, he immediately attacked the targets in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and continued to press daring low-level bombing and strafing runs on the objective until the hostile vehicles were completely destroyed. By his marked courage, skilled airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty, Technical Sergeant Pittman was greatly instrumental in dealing a damaging blow to the enemy 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 Major Frank Helen Presley (MCSN: 0-10906), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron Three Hundred Twelve (VMF-312), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area on 6 October 1950. Carrying out low-level reconnaissance runs in search of hostile positions, Captain Presley succeeded in locating eight enemy tanks and skillfully led an attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire. Undeterred by the hostile opposition he scored direct hits on three of the enemy vehicles, completely destroying them before joining in an attack on a tank repair yard and contributing materially to the destruction of this vital hostile facility. His alertness, airmanship and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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 Major Frank Helen Presley (MCSN: 0-10906), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Three Hundred Twelve (VMFR-312), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 30 September to 4 December 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Captain Presley participated in combat assignments over enemy territory in the face of grave hazards, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. His courage, professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: All Hands (June 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William J. Pressler, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6), during operations against enemy aggressor force in Korea from 8 July 1950 to 28 January 1951. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, he participated in patrol and reconnaissance flights over an active combat area in the face of grave hazards and contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His skill, courage 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 takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant William Ellis Pulliam, II (NSN: 0-340853), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement and gallantry while participating in aerial flight while serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-THREE (VF-193), embarked in U.S.S. Princeton (CV-37), on 2 August 1952, while engaging enemy anti-aircraft positions in the Tanchon Area of North Korea. Despite unfavorable weather conditions and concentrated anti-aircraft opposition, Lieutenant Pulliam bore the brunt of a deadly hail of enemy anti-aircraft fire to lead his division of aircraft in a dive bombing and strafing attack against the enemy gun positions. Although repeatedly hit by ground fire, he courageously pressed his attack, personally silencing three of the guns. Lieutenant Pulliam did not recover from his dive and was seen to crash with his aircraft at the target. His complete disregard for his own personal safety, relentless fighting spirit, and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: All Hands (June 1950)
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Communications Technician Third Class Edward Joseph Purcell (NSN: 2540404), United States Navy, for outstanding and heroic service in the performance of duty in an aerial flight as a member of the aircrew of a United States Navy Privateer airplane (PB4Y2) during a flight over the Baltic Sea, 8 April 1950. Taking off in an unarmed patrol plane from Wiesbaden, Germany, on 8 April, Communications Technician Third Class Purcell participated in a flight over the Baltic Sea. Performing his assigned tasks with courage and skill on this peacetime mission from which his plane failed to return, he rendered outstanding service to the Navy and to his country. His performance of duty under hazardous flight conditions reflects great credit upon Communications Technician Third Class Purcell and upholds the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Flight-Lieutenant Purssey has flown with distinction on operations in support of the United Nations Forces in Korea. He has flown on one hundred and ten operational missions in Meteor aircraft and as a leader of the Squadron on ground attack strikes against heavily defended targets in North Korea, he has always pressed home his attacks to a low level with vigour and determination. This Officer's courage and devotion to duty during his current tour of operations has set a fine example and has been in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Australian Air Force.
[KWE Note: In 1951 he was granted a permanent commission and in December he was posted to 77 Squadron RAAF in Korea. After he had completed 30 combat missions he was awarded the American Air Medal. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1952 after completing 110 operational missions. FLTLT Purssey was flying a Meteor fighter (serial number A77-189) serving with 77 Squadron RAAF in Korea when he was shot down during a ground attack mission at Chinnampo Korea on 22 April 1952.]