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Second Lieutenant Hugo A. Raccuia, Jr. is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aerial Observer of Marine Observation Squadron SIX during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 October 1952. Participating in a mission over enemy territory, Second Lieutenant Raccuia braved an intense artillery and aerial barrage to mark the target for striking aircraft, materially aiding the attack planes in inflicting heavy casualties and damage upon the enemy. Although the air strikes consumed approximately two and one half hours, he remained in the vicinity to make a final damage assessment. By his exceptional skill, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Raccuia upheld 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 Captain Norvin E. Rader for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy-held North Korea on 1 April 1953. Flying as Pilot of a B-26 type aircraft, 176th Bombardment Wing Light, Fifth Air Force, engaged in a night interdiction mission, Captain Rader displayed outstanding airmanship and flying skill. In the vicinity of Sep’o-ri, Korea, a large enemy convoy was sighted. Three bombing attacks were made which caused seven secondary explosions and two sustained fires and resulted in the destruction of nine vehicles. These attacks were pressed over hazardous mountain terrain despite intense fire from enemy automatic weapons and were continued until all ordnance was expended. As a result of this highly successful mission, vital enemy supplies and transportation facilities were destroyed. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Captain Rader 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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Alfred J. Reichel, 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.
Joseph E. Riley, Airman, United States Air Force, B-26 gunner, 452nd Bomb Wing (Light), 5th Air Force, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in the vicinity of Namsi-dong, Korea. On 10 March 1952 while engaged in a night interdiction mission, he sighted a large convoy of enemy vehicles. Numerous glide bombing attacks were made which resulted in the destruction of six vehicles. Airman Riley assisted in guiding the pilot on a series of low level strafing passes that caused fires and explosions that destroyed additional vehicles. These attacks were pressed despite intense fire from enemy automatic weapons and hazardous mountain terrain and were continued until all ordnance was expended. As a result of this highly successful mission vital enemy supplies and transportation facilities were destroyed. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Airman Joseph E. Riley brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Corporal Joseph E. Riley is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a machine gunner on a B-26 airplane to Pyongyang, Korea on 29 December 1951. On that date, as a crew member of the B-26 aircraft, Corporal Riley was asked by his Commander to go out on the bomb bay and free the bomb. While Corporal Riley was working in the bay area the bomb fell off its shackles and scattered frag bombs all over the bomb bay. Also the bombs were armed because the pins were pulled when they fell and were very sensitive and could trip by the bomb nose hitting anything. Corporal Riley requested the bomb doors to be opened, hung on to some service lines which ran along the bomb bay with no parachute on and cleared the bombs. Despite the hazardous condition encountered by Corporal Riley he saved the lives of the remaining crewmen. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Riley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Corporal Joseph E. Riley is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a machine gunner on a B-26 airplane to Naktong, Korea on 7 January 1952. On that date, as a crew member of the B-26 aircraft, Corporal Riley was working in the bay area and was asked by his Commander to look through his small access door and see if a 500 lb bomb was hung on the racks. Corporal Riley reported an 80 lb incendiary bomb had released from its shackles and was resting on a 500 lb bomb that would not release from its shackles with the pin pulled. With the bomb doors opened, the outside temperature a minus 35 degrees and no parachute Corporal Riley pulled the incendiary of the GP. Despite the hazardous condition encountered by Corporal Riley he saved the lives of the remaining crewmen. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Riley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No.614 - 10 October 1952
he President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Robinson Risner, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, on 5 August 1952. As the flight leader of four F-86's which were scrambled to intercept a formation of MiG's in the area of Pyongyang, Captain Risner sighted three formations, approximately twenty MiG's in all. One formation of six MiG's were attacking a flight of F-86's so Captain Risner's flight split into two elements and he initiated a vicious attack which momentarily stunned the enemy. Positioned behind the number two MiG Captain Risner fired several short bursts which struck the enemy aircraft in the engine and left wing root. Not satisfied with the damage already inflicted he followed the MiG through a series of violent evasive maneuvers firing several more bursts into the tail section causing it to smoke, explode and disintegrate. The MiG was last seen in a spin emitting smoke and fire. Through his superlative airmanship and selfless devotion to duty Captain Risner has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 704 - 28 November 1952
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 James Robinson Risner, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea while serving as a Pilot, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 5 September 1952. As leader of a flight of four F-86's Captain Risner sighted several flights of MiG's circling above him. He then observed four MiG's begin a diving attack on two F-86's, one of which hit a hung wing tank. Captain Risner dispatched his element as high cover and immediately went to the aid of the F-86's. By this time the leading MiG had closed within firing range and opened fire on the F-86 with the hung tank. Captain Risner unhesitatingly attacked the leading MiG and firing he hit the MiG from a range of 3,000 feet. He stayed with the leading MiG following him through several maximum performance maneuvers. In a brilliant display of flying skill Captain Risner cut off the enemy until at close range his withering fire started the MiG burning and the pilot was forced to eject. Captain Risner's courage and his brilliant marksmanship prevented the probable loss of an F-86 resulting in the destruction of one MiG. Through his actions he has brought the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 222 - 3 April 1953
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 Major James Robinson Risner, United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 21 January 1953. On this occasion, Major Risner was leading a flight of four F-86's on a combat air patrol, when he attacked twelve MiG aircraft. During the ensuing engagement, Major Risner concentrated his attack upon one of the enemy aircraft. As he followed the MiG through many violent evasive maneuvers, Major Risner fired three short bursts, which disabled the enemy aircraft, forcing the pilot to abandon his crippled MiG. Simultaneously, with the enemy pilot's ejection, Major Risner's windshield was struck by debris from the disintegrating MiG. Furthermore, the flying glass particles from the shattered windshield inflicted numerous lacerations upon Major Risner's face, right hand, and entered his right eye, causing temporary blindness. Despite the combination of wounds, temporary blindness, and intense cold caused by the frigid air blasts, Major Risner safely landed his aircraft at the home base. Through his incredible tactical ability, airmanship, and courage, Major Risner not only destroyed one MiG-15, but saved his F-86 from certain destruction. By his gallantry in action and devotion to duty, Major Risner has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: All Hands (February 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign James C. Robinson, 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.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 9 June 1953
Captain Jimmy P. Robinson, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by heroism and extraordinary devotion to duty in aerial flight over Eniwetok Atoll on 1 November 1952. Captain Robinson, flying an F-84 aircraft at high altitude, was charged with obtaining classified data of the highest importance to the Nation. He elected to execute this difficult mission rather than return to base, even in the face of extremely adverse weather, wind, and other operational conditions. When the mission was completed, he steered his aircraft for Eniwetok Air Base with a minimum amount of fuel. He conserved his remaining fuel with utmost skill, but with Eniwetok Air Base in sight, his engine flamed out. Although advised to bail out while at sufficient altitude, Captain Robinson, disregarding his personal safety, elected to attempt to glide to the field to save the valuable data his fighter was carrying. He crashed into Eniwetok Lagoon just short of the airfield and was killed. Captain Robinson's heroism, selflessness, and devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Air Force and the military service.
For heroism while participating in aerial fight, as a member of Marine Flight Squadron 312 on 3 September 1951, in the vicinity of Hwangju, KOREA. Captain Robinson led a four plane attack against the enemy’s rail line connecting the capital city of Pyongyang with the rail and highway network supplying the western and central fronts. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire protecting this vital target, Captain Robinson maneuvered his division into position and aggressively pressed home the attack. On his first run, he scored a direct hit on the railroad with a one thousand pound bomb and six one hundred pound bombs, cutting the rails in several places, thereby severely hampering the enemy’s effort to keep this main supply route in operation. By skillfully coordinating the fire power of his division, he then succeeded in neutralizing the anti-aircraft batteries adjacent to the target through a series of aggressive low level strafing attacks. In spite of the fact that he sustained several hits on his own aircraft from enemy anti-aircraft fire, he made repeated attacks on these positions, personally destroying one position and damaging another. During this engagement, Captain Robinson displayed outstanding qualities of skill aggressiveness and courage. His Conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Arthur Rosen, Petty Officer Third Class, United States Navy, tail gunner in a PB4Y-2, during the Korean conflict, Machinist's Mate Third Class Rosen awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aircrewman of a Patrol Bomber in Patrol Bombing Squadron One Hundred Eighteen during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Korea on May 15 and June 24 and 26, 1945. Participating in attacks against enemy shipping and shore installations in the face of intense Japanese anti-aircraft fire, Rosen aided in obtaining valuable information concerning hostile forces and contributed materially to the sinking of two enemy freighters, the crippling of five Japanese vessels and to the damaging of radar installations and a lighthouse. His courage and devotion to duty upheld 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 John M. Rowan (AFSN: 0-1911680), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 25 May 1952 in Korea. As wingman in a flight of four F-84 aircraft, 69th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter Bomber Group, Fifth Air Force, Lieutenant Rowan displayed exceptional airmanship when he accompanied his flight through marginal weather to the target near Tansan-Dwog, Korea, where he attacked and severed the enemy rail line. Following this attack on reconnaissance south of Kangyu they spotted a convoy of twenty trucks. The flight immediately carried out a series of devastating strafing runs on these trucks in which Lieutenant Rowan destroyed one and damaged another leaving the target only when a critical fuel shortage made it necessary. As a result of this mission the enemy's rail lines were severed and he was denied trucks vital to his transportation system. Through his skill, courage, and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Rowan has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Sam J. Ruvolo for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy held North Korea on 22 February 1953. Flying as navigator-bombardier of a B-26 type aircraft, 17 Bombardment Wing (Light), Fifty Air Force, engaged in a night interdiction mission, Lieutenant Ruvolo displayed outstanding navigation and bombing skill. In the vicinity of Wonsan, Korea, a large enemy convoy was sighted. Five bombing attacks were made which caused thirteen secondary explosions and five sustained fires and resulted in the destruction of thirteen ammunition laden vehicles. These attacks were pressed over extremely hazardous mountain terrain despite the ever present threat of attack by enemy aircraft and were continued until all ordnance was expended. As a result of this highly successful mission, vital enemy supplies and transportation facilities were destroyed. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Ruvolo brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 87 - 5 November 1950
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 2 July 1926 (WD Bul 8, 1928), the First Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in serial flight is awarded to the following named officer: Captain Thomas K. Ryan, 0472142, Corps of Engineers, Army of the United States, 7 October 1950 to 10 October 1950. Entered the military service from Oregon.