The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Sheldon Smith Brinson (AFSN: 8771A/0-660104), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in Korea, on 6 November 1952. Colonel Brinson personally planned and led a napalm strike on enemy troop concentrations in the Puksan-ni area in North Korea. As a result of Colonel Brinson’s careful planning and personal leadership on this mission, a total of 4,800 gallons of scorching napalm devastated the area, while no loss or damage was sustained by any aircraft under his command. After personally napalming and strafing the target, Colonel Brinson orbited the target alone, with utter disregard for his personal safety and in spite of intense ground fire. Leading his second squadron to the secondary target, Colonel Brinson again led the attack, using maximum evasive action, then orbited the target area to direct he remainder of the attack in the face of concentrated fire power and at great personal risk. Through Colonel Brinson’s superior leadership, the group completely destroyed three enemy billeting areas and annihilated over 750 enemy troops. Colonel Brinson’s high personal courage in remaining over the target areas involved, and his outstanding devotion to duty, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.