The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Air Force Award) to Captain Kenneth R. Bland (MCSN: 0-39827), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 9 October 1952 as a pilot, 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, FIFTH Air Force. While flying an RF-80 aircraft on a reconnaissance mission above the Chong Chon River, Captain Bland experienced severe vibration throughout his aircraft and loss of power due to the failure of several turbine blades in the engine. Although nine enemy fighter formations were in his immediate area Captain Bland succeeded in flying his disabled aircraft down the western coast of Korea without interception. While fifty miles from Kimpo Air Base, Captain Bland received indications of excessive oil pressure, fire in the engine section, and loss of power to thirty-five per cent of rated output. Captain Bland then utilized outstanding airmanship to glide the remaining distance and execute a successful dead-stick approach and landing at Kimpo. By the skill and cool judgment he displayed under extreme stress on this occasion, Captain Bland prevented the loss of a valuable aircraft and brought great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Fleet Marine Force.