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General Orders: All Hands (June 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist's Mate Second Class William M. Samuelson, 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross (Air Force Award) to Lieutenant Walter Marty Schirra, Jr. (NSN: 0-447891), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 23 October 1951. As an element leader in a flight of four F-84E type aircraft, providing close escort on B-29 type bombers, Lieutenant Schirra displayed exceptional airmanship by leading his element against repeated attacks by enemy aircraft which were attacking the bomber formation in the vicinity of Namai Airfield, North Korea. During the ensuing engagement, Lieutenant Schirra was credited with one probable enemy kill and one damaged enemy aircraft. As a result of the aggressiveness and ability displayed by Lieutenant Schirra, the B-29 bombers were able to reach their target and inflict heavy damage on the enemy airfield, despite heavy enemy flak. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Schirra has brought great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the United States Navy.
Charles L. Schroeder, Major, United States Marine Corps, is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron Five Hundred Thirteen during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the nights of 12 and 13 April 1953. Participating in the development and evaluation of searchlight-illuminated night close air support assaults against heavily defended and well-entrenched enemy front-line positions, Major Schroeder carried out two low-level bombing and strafing attacks on the carefully camouflaged objective in the face of intense hostile antiaircraft fire. Diving to minimum altitude, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through the precipitous terrain and scored direct bomb hits on enemy personnel shelters. By his superb airmanship, courageous initiative and determination, Major Schroeder was largely responsible for the success of two missions that demolished four personnel shelters and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. His steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Service.
On 24 January 1953, Captain Schuermann led a flight of Marine jet fighter bombers against a heavily defended battery of enemy automatic weapons and the caves sheltering their ammunition supply. Quickly locating the obscure objective in mountainous terrain, he initiated an individual dive bombing assault to mark the target for the remainder of the flight. Exercising extreme caution because of friendly troops only fifty yards from the enemy position, he scored a direct hit on the hostile battery and then led a high speed bombing attack that silenced two automatic weapons , sealed five supply caves and inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy. Captain Schuermann's exceptional accuracy in delivering his own attacks and his exemplary leadership in organizing and directing the assault were largely responsible for the success of a mission that substantially relieved enemy pressure on front line elements of the 1st Marine Division. His courageous conduct, outstanding professional skill 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.
For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine fighter squadron in Korea from 10 January 1953 to 15 January 1953, during a series of massed aerial assaults on a heavily defended bridge complex in the vicinity of Sinanju. Confronted by intense automatic weapons fire and under constant threat of attack by superior jet interceptors, Captain Schuermann participated in three successive bombing missions to suppress hostile antiaircraft fire directed at the main striking force. On one of these strikes, he was directed to engage a camouflaged position consisting of four heavy antiaircraft guns that had previously inflicted serious damage on attacking aircraft. Successfully locating the concealed target, Captain Schuermann dived through a barrage of hostile fire to score direct bomb hits that silenced the enemy weapons and clearly defined the objective for the remainder of the flight. Captain Schuermann's aggressive initiative and exceptional bombing accuracy were largely responsible for the success of a mission that substantially reduced enemy opposition during succeeding attacks on the vital target. His courageous conduct, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard G. Schulz for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight on September 20, 1950, as Wingman of two B-26 type aircraft. Lieutenant Schulz displayed outstanding airmanship while flying through marginal weather to the target area. With the use of rockets he personally destroyed three boxcars at Okchon, Korea and damaged one locomotive southeast of Taejon. At Sintansin, he bombed and strafed the marshaling yards leaving four boxcars burning and the tracks damaged. As a result of his highly successful mission, supplies destined for the enemy were destroyed or damaged. By his personal courage and devotion to duty Lieutenant Schulz has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Robert G. Scribner for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Three Hundred Eleven during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 February 1952. Participating in a close air support flight in the vicinity Tosan, First Lieutenant Scribner carried out a series of devastating bombing and strafing attacks in the face of intense automatic-weapons fire against a concentration of enemy trucks and troops shielded by revetments and surrounded by automatic-weapons positions, personally scoring three direct hits and contributing materially to the damage or destruction of twenty hostile trucks. Diving repeatedly through the enemy fire, he persisted in his attacks until all ordnance was expended and neutralization of the staging area was assured. By his marked courage, skilled airmanship and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Scribner was greatly instrumental in dealing a damaging blow to the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Service.
Headquarters, Eighth United States Army Korea (EUSAK)
General Orders #301 - 22 March 1951
Captain Albert C. Sebourn, 01181133, Artillery, United States Army. Captain Sebourn, a member of the 2nd Helicopter Detachment, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight near Ghoksong-ni, Korea on 13-14 January 1951. In response to an emergency request for air evacuation of casualties, Captain Sebourn volunteered, knowing that friendly troops were surrounded and under fire, to pilot his helicopter to the area. On arrival over the area, he was subjected to enemy automatic weapons fire from the hills surrounding the valley. Despite this hazard Captain Sebourn proceeded to load the seriously wounded, subjecting himself to direct enemy small arms fire and a mortar barrage. Due to mechanical failure, he was unable to take off. He remained with the wounded through the night, subjected to accurate sniper fire. His courage and determination in the face of enemy fire not only enabled the evacuation of seriously wounded, but also saved a valuable piece of equipment from destruction. Captain Sebourn's extraordinary achievement reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Edward Shamis (MCSN: 0-29569), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Three Hundred Eleven (VMF-311), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 22 July 1952. While participating in a bombing attack against a heavily defended enemy supply center, Captain Shamis was severely and painfully wounded by a shattering burst of hostile anti-aircraft fire. Despite the severity of his wounds, the extensive damage to his aircraft and increasing defensive fire, he resolutely pressed home the attack to score direct hits on the target. Upon recovering from the diving assault, he improvised a tourniquet from a rubber oxygen tube and successfully stopped the flow of blood from his shattered left arm. Although losing consciousness intermittently and in an advanced state of shock, he resolutely piloted his faltering plane to a friendly air base where he executed a successful crash-landing with only one landing gear and an unexpended bomb hanging from the right wing. By his outstanding courage, professional skill and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Shamis contributed materially to the success of a mission that demolished a major enemy supply installation, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 140 - December 28, 1950
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 Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-17395), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 29 August 1950, in Korea.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 106 - February 10, 1951
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 Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-17395), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 6 November 1950, in Korea.
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 George P. Sims (AFSN: AO-2223547), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 18 November 1952 as a navigator of an unarmed RD-26 of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (Night Photo). Lieutenant Sims was assigned a special reconnaissance mission to ferret out suspected parking areas for enemy vehicles. This mission involved visual reconnaissance, photographic reconnaissance, and the direction of fighter aircraft to the target area. By pinpoint pilotage under extremely adverse conditions and despite intense, continuous, and accurate flak, Lieutenant Sims was able to obtain visual and photographic coverage of the target area. Having completed this phase of his mission, Lieutenant Sims remained in the area during daylight hours, and successfully directed a fighter-bomber strike on the target area, and was instrumental in bringing about the destruction of a large number of enemy supply vehicles. The devotion to duty and personal courage shown by Lieutenant Sims reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
By direction of the President, First Lieutenant Cecil B. Smith, AO-2221631, United States Air Force, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
First Lieutenant Cecil B. Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while flying as pilot of a B-26 type attack bomber, over enemy held territory in North Korea on 13 October 1951. While performing an armed reconnaissance mission on a main supply route, Lieutenant Smith sighted a large enemy convoy which appeared to be halted at an assembly point on the read north of Inchon. At the time of the observation, the weather in the area was becoming under-cast making close attack dangerous. However, Lieutenant Smith dropped below the cloud cover and made his first bombing pass. Six (6) violent explosions were observed when one (1) large fire was started in a building area in which it was believed that ammunition was stored. Two (2) additional bomb runs and several strafing passes were made on the Garret at low altitudes, although the exploding ammunition from the fire, as well as small area fire from automatic weapons positions made these passes extremely hazardous. Close observation revealed that twelve (12) vehicles were destroyed and a large building was left in flames, which was reported by other returning crews as still burning fiercely, with intermittent explosions, four (4) hours after the attack. As a result of this mission, vital supplies were destroyed, seriously hampering the enemy's potential. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Smith 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 Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Edward H. Smith, 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, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 252 - May 1, 1952
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 Robert W. Smith (AFSN: FR-20881), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 1 April 1952 over North Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Smith was leading an element of two F-86's as part of an escort for an unarmed RF-80 aircraft which was photographing a main supply route north of Sinanju. Two MiG-15 type aircraft began an attack on the RF-60 but Lieutenant Smith cut them off and scored hits on the lead aircraft with a long burst from extreme range. This MiG then began violent evasive maneuvers but Lieutenant Smith followed and scored with several more bursts, destroying the enemy aircraft. Due to Lieutenant Smith's excellent positioning of the element his wingman was able to destroy the remaining MiG-15. Lieutenant Smith's exemplary leadership and aggressiveness saved the unarmed RF-80 from damage and resulted in the destruction of two enemy aircraft. His exceptional courage and devotion to duty have brought credit upon himself, his comrades in arms of the United Nations, and the United States Air Force.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Harold S. Snow for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a F-51 aircraft of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 11 December 1952, as a Flight Commander of a unit of two (2) F-51 type aircraft. Captain Snow exhibited superior airmanship, outstanding leadership and exceptional bravery when he navigated over hazardous mountainous terrain through extremely unfavorable weather conditions direct to the target at Ch’aemyong-Dong, Korea. With bombs and machine guns, Captain Snow pressed a devastating attack against enemy supply shelters and truck concentrations, scoring direct hits despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. After expending all ordnance, Captain Snow discovered several supply shelters and numerous trucks in a valley near the position of his attack. Reporting his findings to controllers and requesting that more aircraft be vectored to this target, Captain Snow remained in the area to direct the air strike of thirty-two (32) F-84 aircraft. With complete disregard for his personal safety, this officer repeatedly marked the target by making dangerously low strafing passes exposing himself each time to intense anti-aircraft fire. After maximum destruction had been achieved, Captain Snow led his wingmen safely back to his home base. As a result of this highly successful mission, ten (10) trucks and five (5) supply shelters were destroyed, twenty eight (28) additional trucks were damaged and three (3) secondary explosions were observed. This strike destroyed and damaged vital enemy transportation and storage, seriously hampering the enemy’s potential. Through his skill, courage and devotion to duty, Captain Snow 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 William C. Sproull, Jr., 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.
Thomas F. St. Denis, Second Lieutenant, USMC, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron Five Hundred Thirteen during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the nights of 13 and 15 April 1953. Participating in the development and evaluation of searchlight-illuminated night close air support missions against heavily defended and well-entrenched hostile front-line positions, Second Lieutenant St. Denis conducted nine low-level bombing and strafing assaults against the enemy on both nights, despite intense hostile antiaircraft fire. Diving to minimum altitude, he skillfully maneuvered his jet fighter bomber through the precipitous terrain to score direct bomb hits on enemy bunkers, trenches and automatic weapons. By his exceptional bombing accuracy and outstanding initiative, Second Lieutenant St. Denis was greatly responsible for the success of missions that destroyed a major enemy strong point and substantially reduced pressure on front-line elements of friendly ground forces. By his skilled airmanship, courage, and steadfast devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant St. Denis reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Captain Stanfill was awarded his DFC for the mission on which he was shot down. As leader of a six-plane flight, the officer was returning to his base after an attack on enemy positions, when his wingman radioed that he had a 1,000 pound bomb that would not release. Captain Stanfill volunteered to return over Red territory with the man in an effort to rid the plane of the bomb. In making two passes over enemy positions to cover for his wingman, Captain Stanfill's plane was hit and burst into flames. He bailed out and was taken prisoner after a helicopter tried unsuccessfully to rescue him. He was taken prisoner October 30, 1951 and was released September 1, 1953.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant William G. Sternhagen for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-86 with the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 16 June 1953. Flying the element lead position in a flight of four F-86 aircraft on a close support mission, Lieutenant Sternhagen displayed outstanding airmanship and combat effectiveness while attacking enemy front line bunkers, personnel shelters, and troops in the open near Kumwha, North Korea. Displaying exceptional bravery, Lieutenant Sternhagen made extremely low and dangerous dive bombing and strafing runs and scored direct hits on the enemy positions with his two (2) one thousand (1,000) pound bombs. Despite enemy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Sternhagen initiated repeated runs on the target and scored direct hits, killing enemy personnel and destroying personnel shelters and bunkers. The assessment given the flight by the controller was two (2) bunkers destroyed, seven (7) personnel shelters destroyed, and twenty (20) enemy personnel killed. As a result of this highly successful mission, enemy front line positions were destroyed, severely hampering the enemy's combat potential in this area. By his outstanding airmanship, skill, and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Sternhagen has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, EUSAK
General Orders No. 161 - 22 March 1951
The Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight is awarded to First Lieutenant Willis G. Strawn, O541234, Artillery, United States Army. Lieutenant Strawn, a member of the 2nd Helicopter Detachment, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight near Choksong-ni, Korea on 14 and 15 January 1951. During a relief and aerial evacuation mission involving an American unit which was isolated in enemy territory, Lieutenant Strawn piloted an H-13D helicopter over hazardous mountain terrain in enemy territory to reach his destination. Upon arriving at the perimeter, he let down through hostile small-arms fire to land for the loading of battle casualties. After landing in the perimeter, and while being subjected to enemy small arms and mortar fire, Lieutenant Strawn assisted a fellow pilot in getting his damaged helicopter started, then loaded his own aircraft with wounded and took off. The enemy positions had to be circled, exposing the aircraft to possible damage or destruction, until sufficient altitude was gained to clear the enemy held mountains. Lieutenant Strawn returned to the isolated troops, carrying much needed ammunition, and, again being the intended target for enemy ground fire, then returned to his home base with seriously wounded men. On the following day, he made one more final trip into the perimeter to remove the battle casualties prior to the withdrawal of the friendly unit. Through his courageous action, many seriously wounded were able to receive prompt surgical attention, and a friendly unit was relieved of the task of evacuating the casualties on the ground through enemy territory. The extraordinary achievement of Lieutenant Strawn reflects great credit on himself and the military service. Entered the federal service from Iowa.
General Orders: All Hands (February 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class George L. Stuart, 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, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John G. Swann (USAF) for extraordinary achievement in a flight over enemy held North Korea. While flying his F-84 Thunderjet as a member of the 59th Fighter Bomber Wing as the leader of a flight of four F-84 Thunderjets against the Chosen Reservoir Dam deep in North Korea. Flying through heavy anti-aircraft fire fire he made two direct hits on the dam. He was important in the final breaking of the dam which resulted in the total inundation of the Communist transportation facilities north of Pyongyang. Lieutenant Swann flew 92 missions with the 58th Fighter Bomber Wing in Korea before the cease fire order in July.
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 Robert John Swanson (AFSN: FV-930392), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against an enemy of the United Nations on the night of 25 November 1952, while serving as pilot of a B-26 attack bomber of the Third Bombardment Wing (Light), Fifth Air Force. While reconnoitering his target area in search of enemy vehicular traffic, a series of small convoys were sighted north of Pyongyang, North Korea. Lieutenant Swanson fearlessly pressed immediate attacks on these prime targets, despite the presence of known enemy anti-aircraft positions. Displaying exceptional airmanship and maintaining excellent crew coordination, Lieutenant Swanson was able to destroy eight enemy vehicles by fire and explosions. Lieutenant Swanson's superior professional knowledge and personal courage reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.