The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Marion Boyd Bowers (MCSN: 0-16967), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with a Marine Photographic Squadron in Korea. On 30 October 1952, Major Bowers, as pilot of an unarmed photographic aircraft operating from a naval aircraft carrier, conducted a specially assigned photographic mission deep in enemy territory. In order to achieve the element of surprise necessary to the successful accomplishment of the mission, Major Bowers proceeded without fighter escort into an area known to be defended by enemy interceptors and concentrated anti-aircraft weapons. Obtaining photographic coverage far in excess of that normally expected under the flight conditions encountered, he secured intelligence information of vital importance to the United States Naval Service. His courageous conduct, exceptional professional skill and devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.