The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Perry Lindsay Shuman (MCSN: 0-7991), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane and a Flight Leader in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of New Georgia on 2 July 1943. Undaunted by superior numbers of Japanese aircraft, Captain Shuman led his flight in an aggressive attack and, by his skill and daring maneuvers, successfully shot down two enemy fighters in flames. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.