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 Captain Clive Blaney (MCSN: 0-32239), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving with a Marine Fighter Squadron in Korea. On 16 April 1953, Captain Blaney was a member of a division of fighter bombers on a close air support mission in direct support of the FIRST Marine Division. When the flight leader was forced to return to his base because of mechanical difficulty, Captain Blaney unhesitatingly assumed the lead despite the fact that the flight was diverted from its pre-briefed mission to a completely unfamiliar target that was then exerting heavy pressure on elements of the FIRST Marine Division. Promptly locating the well-camouflaged heavy weapons and mortar positions, located in hazardous terrain, Captain Blaney courageously led a daring attack through intense anti-aircraft and small arms fire and pinpointed the target with a direct bomb hit on the heavy weapons position. Exercising extreme caution because of the close proximity of friendly troops, Captain Blaney displayed aggressive leadership to direct the flight in repeated bombing and strafing runs on the enemy emplacement. His outstanding bombing accuracy and exemplary leadership in organizing and directing his flight, were largely responsible for the success of a mission that substantially reduced hostile pressure on friendly front line forces. His courageous conduct, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.