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 Lieutenant Colonel John B. Berteling (MCSN: 0-9007), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as Commanding Officer of a carrier-based Marine Attack Squadron in Korea. On 14 July 1953, Lieutenant Colonel Berteling received a high priority request from friendly front line units to supply all available aircraft for a close air support mission against a major enemy troop concentration near Kumsong, North Korea. Despite extremely rough seas, heavy precipitation and overcast conditions that would normally preclude combat flight operations from an aircraft carrier, Lieutenant Colonel Berteling elected to provide the air support. Although winds of over fifty miles per hour swept the carrier’s deck, he 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 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. Lieutenant Colonel Berteling’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 units of the United Nations ground forces. His courageous conduct, exceptional leadership and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.