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 First Lieutenant John William Andre (MCSN: 0-49287/290535), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 June 1952. While conducting a night intruder mission over enemy main supply routes, First Lieutenant Andre detected an enemy motor convoy proceeding through mountainous terrain and initiated a series of bombing and strafing attacks beneath flare illumination. Suddenly attacked from the rear by an enemy night interceptor during his ninth low-level assault, he successfully evaded the hostile fire and, regaining altitude, skillfully maneuvered through the darkness to a position behind his assailant where he opened fire with his own machine guns and sent the enemy aircraft plunging to the earth in flames. By his outstanding airmanship, initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Andre was directly responsible for the destruction of a hostile aircraft and several enemy supply trucks, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Master Technical SergeantBatallion:
Marine Night Fighter Squadron 541 (VMF(N)-541)Action Date:
January 25 – February 1, 1945
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Technical Sergeant John William Andre (MCSN: 0-49287/290535), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Night Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMF(N)-541), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Western Caroline Islands from 25 January to 1 February 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Master Technical Sergeant Andre carried out hazardous bombing and strafing attacks against strongly defended hostile positions, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of accurate anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF(AW)-513)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
February 22, 1952
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John William Andre (MCSN: 0-49287/290535), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 22 February 1952. While carefully reconnoitering the supply routes of his assigned sector during a night intruder mission, First Lieutenant Andre discovered a large group of enemy vehicles and, after directing the accompanying flare-dropping plane to illuminate the area and selecting the best tactical approach to his target, initiated a series of napalm, bombing and strafing attacks in the face of extremely poor visibility and mountainous terrain until his ammunition was expended, destroying or damaging fourteen supply laden vehicles. By his skilled airmanship, bold initiative and gallant devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Andre upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Master Technical SergeantBatallion:
Marine Night Fighter Squadron 541 (VMF(N)-541)Action Date:
February 1 – May 25, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Technical Sergeant John William Andre (MCSN: 0-49287/290535), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Night Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMF(N)-541), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Western Caroline Islands from 1 February to 25 May 1945. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Master Technical Sergeant Andre contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.