The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ernest A. Buford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-21281), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to a Marine Aircraft Group from 29 November 1950 to 15 December 1950. Captain Buford successfully completed his first through thirty-fifth combat mission in support of our ground forces, destroying and inflicting great damage to concentrations of North Korean vehicles, material and personnel. By his airmanship and devotion to duty in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire, he contributed materially to the success of our troops. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.