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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Alfred Nelson Gordon (MCSN: 0-5953), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot attached to a Marine Fighting Squadron operating in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas from 18 November 1943 to 19 March 1944. During two tours of duty, Major Gordon took part in numerous fighter sweeps, escorts and strafing missions over enemy strongholds, frequently encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition. On 3 and 10 February, during bomber strikes against Japanese airfields near Rabaul, New Britain, he destroyed one fighter plane and probably shot down another. On 18 March, his accurate strafing of enemy shore batteries enabled a sea plane to successfully rescue a pilot forced down at sea off Tawui Point, New Britain. His courageous conduct and superior airmanship contributed materially to the success of all missions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    Marine Attack Squadron 121 (VMA-121)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1951
    Commanding General 1st Marine Division: Serial 2845 (March 5, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Nelson Gordon (MCSN: 0-5953), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane and Commanding Officer of Marine Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMA-121), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 11 November 1951. During a sixty-plane coordinated attack against a main enemy supply route in the vicinity of Pyongyang, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon flew his plane at a dangerously low altitude in extremely adverse weather to locate the target and led his flight of eleven aircraft in a daring glide bombing assault in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, effecting numerous cuts in the railway line and inflicting heavy damage on the area. With his mission successfully accomplished, he skillfully directed the rendezvous and retirement of his strike group and led the planes safely to base. By his marked courage, brilliant airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout the action, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon was directly instrumental in the success achieved by his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.