In God We Trust
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Herbert James Valentine (MCSN: 0-10561/632207), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 23 September to 7 December 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Master Sergeant Valentine participated in daring flights over an active combat area. By his skill, courage, and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, he contributed materially to the success of vital operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Herbert James Valentine (MCSN: 0-10561/632207), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 5 August to 22 September 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Master Sergeant Valentine participated in daring flights over an active combat area. By his skill, courage, and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, he contributed materially to the success of vital operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
First Lieutenant George A. Van Hoomissen is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aerial Observer attached to the First Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 January 1953. During an extremely dangerous flight over hostile terrain, First Lieutenant Van Hoomissen directed a highly successful air strike against enemy positions and, despite persistent and intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, courageously remained in the area to adjust the bomb drops by the striking aircraft. By his outstanding skill, marked courage and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Van Hoomissen contributed materially to the destruction or damage of numerous enemy installations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
In the name of the President of the United States the Commander Seventh Fleet, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Award) to Ensign Don Van Slooten, 508000/1315, U.S. Naval Reserve, Attack Squadron One Hundred Ninety Five in the Korean Theater. Basis of Award: For distinguishing himself by extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of an Attack Bomber in Attack Squadron One Hundred Ninety-Five attached to the U.S.S. Princeton 105-371, in an attack on North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces at Hyon Ni, Korea on 30 April 1951, while upholding the policies of the United Nation’s Security Council. His primary mission was close air support of United Nation’s ground forces under heavy fire from enemy positions located on top of a ridge. As he led his section into the target area he was immediately brought under fire by intense heavy anti-aircraft fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he pressed home an attack on the enemy positions. Despite the fact that his aircraft was severely damaged on his first attack, he continued his napalm and strafing attacks to extremely low levels and is personally credited with the destruction of four mortal, one pillbox and inflicting one hundred fifty casualties on enemy troops entrenched on the ridge. As a result of his determination and accuracy in hitting the enemy and leading his flight in their attack, the enemy fire on friendly troops was halted and the enemy was forced to retreat allowing friendly troops to occupy and secure the ridge. Ensign Van Slooten was then directed to lead his section in bombing attacks with their remaining fragmentation bombs on buildings housing enemy troops east of the Huachon Reservoir. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire he bombed and strafed the buildings, destroying ten buildings and inflicting casualties on an estimated fifty enemy troops. With his own ordnance expended, he continued to make deck level reconnaissance of the area spotting targets for the other members of his flight to attack. Ensign Van Slooten’s devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.