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 Captain Richard C. Browning (MCSN: 0-29007), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of a fighter aircraft against the enemy in Korea on 23 July 1951. Captain Browning led a four plane strike on Utchikongo, an important enemy rail supply center. Though forced to fly through mountainous terrain, and to navigate on instruments because of low ceilings and inclement weather, Captain Browning’s determined efforts brought the flight to the target area safely. Although forced to dangerously low altitude by poor weather conditions, he led his flight in two attacks on the target. He scored several rocket hits and accurately dropped his napalm bomb on the enemy rail and ammunition supplies. Upon completion of the attacks, numerous fires and secondary explosions were observed. The intensity of enemy ground fire resulted in three damaged aircraft in this flight and one pilot was wounded. Captain Browning’s plane was struck by enemy fire and he was forced to bail out over nearby waters patrolled by friendly surface vessels. The courageous action and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Browning were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.