The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel John Paul Coursey (MCSN: 0-5617), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during operations against the enemy in Korea from 17 August 1952 to 22 March 1953. As Executive Officer of a Marine Aircraft Group, Colonel Coursey continuously displayed outstanding initiative and professional competence in discharging his numerous responsibilities. His thorough understanding of the complexities of modern warfare, his meticulous attention to each Group problem and his keen analysis of the character and ability of his associates enabled him to coordinate the subordinate units of the command into an efficient combat organization. He maintained close and consistent liaison with all echelons and, through his knowledge of project plans and unit problems, made accurate and timely advisement to the Group Commander on every aspect of Group operations against the enemy. Colonel Coursey’s professional excellence as a leader in aerial combat and as an executive administrator contributed substantially to the success achieved by the United Nations Forces in Korea. His courageous conduct, exceptional resourcefulness and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Coursey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel John Paul Coursey (MCSN: 0-5617), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea. On 15 February 1953, Colonel Coursey led a flight of Marine jet fighters in an aerial assault against heavily defended and highly inaccessible enemy positions in close proximity to the Panmunjon restricted area. Promptly locating the carefully camouflaged emplacements in mountainous terrain, he initiated a daring low level bombing and strafing attack through intense defensive fire. Despite increasingly heavy anti-aircraft fire and a restricted avenue of approach to the target, he skillfully marked it with direct bomb hits and then led repeated diving assaults that demolished two enemy mortars, seven personnel bunkers and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Colonel Coursey’s outstanding accuracy in delivering his own attack and exceptional leadership in organizing and directing the flight were largely responsible for the success of the mission that substantially reduced enemy pressure on front line units of the FIRST Marine Division. His courageous conduct, professional skill and zealous devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
May 19, 1965 – October 31, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General John Paul Coursey (MCSN: 0-5617), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Wing Commander, THIRD Marine Aircraft Wing from 19 May 1965 to 31 October 1966. An extremely competent and resourceful leader, General Coursey supervised the expeditious utilization and application of the resources of the THIRD Marine Aircraft Wing in meeting the requirements of the rapidly expanding conflict in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period the THIRD Marine Aircraft Wing provided two complete Marine Aircraft Groups, numerous squadrons and a host of well trained individual replacement personnel from all walks of military life. General Coursey’s aggressive leadership and wise counsel brought forth expedited and thorough solutions to these evermore complex problems. Further, exercising infinite wisdom and military acumen, he personally administered the planning for and formation of a Helicopter Training Group which is contributing measurably to the success of the United States operations in Southeast Asia. In addition to the execution of these tasks, he gave unstintingly of his wisdom, time and effort to the direction of the THIRD Marine Aircraft Wing KC-130 training and utilization program. This program of flight crew training and aircraft utilization contributed significantly to the safe and efficient flow of men and material to and within Western Pacific areas. Only through his diligence, wisdom and foresight, and remarkable aggressiveness could all of these activities have been channeled and brought to fruition at this critical juncture in time for the United States Marine Corps and its aviation component. By his outstanding leadership, judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, General Coursey upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.