Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    January 8, 1953

    Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 16606 (May 18, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Layton S. Ausen (MCSN: 0-29401), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea while serving with the FIRST Marine Division on 8 January 1953. Serving as a pilot Captain Ausen displayed exceptional courage, professional skill and devotion to duty. During an extremely dangerous flight over hostile territory he fearlessly remained in the area and enabled his artillery spotter to direct and adjust fire against enemy fortifications. Despite the persistent and intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he remained on station nearly four hours and continued to maneuver with such skill as to afford the spotter accurate observation to complete his mission of adjusting the fires of more than one unit on separate targets concurrently. As a result of his determined efforts, thirteen active enemy mortars were neutralized and the advance of two separate enemy reinforcing troops movements was halted. Captain Ausen’s alertness, efficient actions and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.