The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Gordon L. Allen (MCSN: 0-10926), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a carrier-based Marine Attack Squadron in Korea. On 14 July 1953, Major Allen, in answer to an urgent request for all available air support, led a division of Marine attack aircraft against a major enemy troop concentration near Kumsong, North Korea. Despite extremely rough seas, a fifty mile per hour gale sweeping the carrier’s deck and a heavy overcast, conditions that would normally preclude combat flight operations from an aircraft carrier, Major Allen safely led his division into the air, through the instrument weather and directly to the target area,. Over the objective the adverse weather prevented dive bombing attacks and he was compelled to conduct his bombing runs by the use of radar. Displaying exceptional professional ability, he scored direct bomb hits that inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. After directing his flight in a highly successful bombing assault, he safely led the division back to the carrier. Major Allen’s outstanding accuracy and exemplary leadership were responsible for the success of a mission that disrupted and repulsed one of the largest enemy offensives in over two years, thereby substantially reducing pressure on front line elements of the United Nations ground forces. His courageous conduct, exceptional initiative and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.