Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    September 25, 1951

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 283 (January 9, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Eddy P. Balocco (MCSN: 0-51298), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 25 September 1951. Second Lieutenant Balocco as wingman of the last section of an eight-plane flight, took off on a rail cut mission as directed by the Joint Operations Center. His flight leader proceeded to the vicinity of the town of Sunchon and began to lose altitude in preparation for the attack upon the section of rail lines assigned as the target. As he was turning toward the target, Second Lieutenant Balocco observed twelve enemy aircraft, starting an attack from above. He notified his flight leader of the unexpected threat, jettisoned his bombs, and turned into the enemy. Without regard for his own personal safety, Second Lieutenant Balocco met the attacking enemy planes head on. The unexpected fire brought to bear by Second Lieutenant Balocco and his section leader disrupted the enemy formation thereby diverting the attack from the remainder of their flights. Having broken the initial attack, Second Balocco displayed outstanding tactical ability in coordinating his movements with those of his section leader thereby gaining mutual protection from the enemy aircraft and preventing the enemy from the remainder of his flight. Though outnumbered six-to-one Second Lieutenant Balocco continued to engage the enemy in combat until the enemy broke from the engagement. Second Lieutenant Balocco’s efficient action, and devotion to duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.