Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 195 (VA-195)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Princeton (CV-37)

    Action Date:

    February 1 – April 30, 1951

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1600 (October 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Kenneth W. Atkinson, United States Navy, for heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an attack bomber in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE (VA-195), embarked in U.S.S. PRINCETON (CV-37), in attacks on hostile North Korean and Chinese forces from 1 February to 30 April 1951. Participating in a series of flights in areas from Wonsan to Chongjin, Korea, Ensign Atkinson aided in the development of a technique for the bombing of enemy tunnel installations which is now standard for Naval and Air Force aircraft in the Korean area. The experiments often required runs within less than one hundred feet of the ground, and necessitated the use of utmost skill to place a one thousand pound bomb inside a seventeen foot tunnel opening. During each flight enemy anti-aircraft fire was encountered, and on one occasion all aircraft in the flight were hit repeatedly. Despite the obstacles encountered, Ensign Atkinson willingly, heroically and with complete disregard for his own personal safety carried out the flights to a successful conclusion, and in so doing aided in the destruction of an estimated six railroad trains and an undetermined but large number of enemy troops, trucks and equipment. Ensign Atkinson’s aggressiveness, judgment and professional skill were highly evident, and his actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.