The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant William Charles Blackford, Jr. (NSN: 0-453727), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as section leader in a flight of eight Corsairs on a strike against the Communist-held airfield of Hoemum, North Korea, on 12 June 1953. Lieutenant Blackford was called upon to take charge of the entire flight because of mechanical failure of the strike leader’s aircraft. Lieutenant Blackford’s prompt assumption of command, and his competent conduct of the entire flight, resulted in the complete success of the mission assigned. The outstanding leadership and professional skill exhibited by Lieutenant Blackford resulted in rendering the airfield completely non-operational. The attacks were so effectively coordinated that nine direct hits, four by one thousand pound bombs, were spaced over the complete length and width of the runway. Lieutenant Blackford scored three direct, well placed, hits on the runway with his own bombs. Following the completion of the attacks on the airfield, Lieutenant Blackford further demonstrated his high capacity for leadership by directing his flight in attacks on nearby rail and highway bridges used as supply arteries for the airfield and adjacent areas. These further attacks resulted in the destruction of one bridge and damaging of another. Lieutenant Blackford led the attacks and retirement of his flight in such a manner that there was no damage inflicted by enemy anti-aircraft fire on any of the flight. The skill and daring exhibited by Lieutenant Blackford, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led to the completed success of the mission assigned and materially aided the United Nations Forces in their defense against the enemy. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.