The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Bernard W. Peterson (MCSN: 0-33284), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-212), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 June 1952. Participating in a close air support mission near Changdan, Captain Peterson led his four-plane flight in two devastating attacks against the enemy and succeeded in destroying four bunkers and four mortar positions. When a friendly ground force was subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire and requested assistance, he skillfully led his flight through intense anti-aircraft fire and initiated vigorous runs on the enemy, expending all his ordnance. Although his aircraft sustained heavy damage from the hostile fire, he quickly rallied his fighting team and aggressively pressed home attacks against the enemy in the face of extremely intense anti-aircraft fire. By his superb flying skill, courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Peterson contributed materially to the success of his unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.