The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph L. Brandon (MCSN: 0-45308), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in an aerial flight against the enemy and while serving as a pilot attached to a Marine Fighter Squadron in Korea. On 3 June 1951, First Lieutenant Brandon, in response to a request for close air support took off with his flight from a forward air base. Arriving in the target area he immediately located a detachment of enemy troops that were attacking friendly positions. Working in close conjunction with the forward air controller and with utter disregard for the automatic weapons and small arms fire directed at the flight, First Lieutenant Brandon, displaying outstanding leadership qualities and coordination, directed his planes on this enemy force. Repeatedly attacking with napalm, bombs and rockets, he was able to completely disrupt the attack, killing many enemy troops and routing the rest. Pursuing those that fled the attack, First Lieutenant Brandon directed his flight on a small, barely accessible raving into which they were hiding. Despite hazardous terrain he repeatedly pressed home his attacks until the entire ravine had been covered with bombs and rockets. As a direct result of his expert airmanship and courageous attacks many enemy troops were killed and the enemy attacks on friendly positions completely disrupted. First Lieutenant Brandon’s skillful flying and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.