The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Carroll B. Burch (MCSN: 0-29742), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine Fighter Squadron in Korea. On 26 April 1953, Captain Burch led four jet fighter-bombers on a close air support mission against heavily defended batteries of enemy mortars and automatic weapons then inflicting heavy damage on elements of the FIRST Marine Division. Skillfully maneuvering his flight into an advantageous position, Captain Burch successfully led all four aircraft in a daring attack, through intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire, repeatedly pressing attacks until all ordnance was expended. Scoring several direct hits with his own bombs, he completely sealed four caves and seriously damaged six mortar positions. Captain Burch’s outstanding accuracy in delivering his own attack and his exemplary leadership in directing the flight, were largely responsible for the success of the mission and the destruction of vital enemy positions. His courageous conduct, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.