The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to two previously awarded Gold Stars in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Air Force) to Captain Dewey Foster Durnford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-32195), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 17 May 1953 as Pilot of an F-86 aircraft of the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Fourth Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. Captain Durnford and his leader observed a flight of enemy aircraft dog-fighting friendly aircraft. Diving into the melee, completely disregarding his personal safety and the greater number of MIGs, and after his leader initiated an attack by scoring multiple hits on the left wing and fuselage of the enemy aircraft, Captain Durnford swung into position and, firing from 900 to 100 feet, raked the MiG again and again until it smoked heavily and pieces began to fall from the stricken craft. At this time, Captain Durnford’s own F-86 was struck by MiG-15 enemy fire, resulting in complete loss of aileron control. Calling upon his extensive knowledge of aeronautics, Captain Durnford was able to level his aircraft by reducing speed, extending the dive brakes, and holding hard left rudder. Traveling at a greatly reduced speed and losing altitude steadily, he headed out over the water toward a friendly island, at which time his aircraft flamed out. Heading toward the open sea, Captain Durnford abandoned his aircraft by calmly ejecting and parachuting into the water, where he was rescued by helicopter and taken to a nearby friendly island. As a result of his outstanding flying ability, and the destruction of one-half enemy aircraft, Captain Durnford’s loyalty and devotion to duty has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 27, 1968 – June 20, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Dewey Foster Durnford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-32195), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force in the Republic of Vietnam from 27 June 1968 to 20 June 1969. As Chief, Special Operations Division, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, Headquarters, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Colonel Durnford provided outstanding leadership and professional direction to a program introducing a complex electronics system into combat operations. He successfully guided the evaluation of field testing, the development of personnel and equipment requirements for the operational phase and the initiation of operations on a sound tactical basis. His untiring efforts attained broad acceptance of the system by the field commanders. The plans provided significant assistance to combat commanders in locating an elusive enemy. Colonel Durnford displayed imaginative and dynamic management in guiding development of an Army of Vietnam program to exploit these devices which resulted in the attainment of proficient application in a highly critical combat sector and in the establishment of a skilled cadre for future training of the Vietnamese Army in this equipment. Colonel Durnford’s exemplary managerial ability, professionalism and dedication to duty have made a significant contribution to the success of the United States and Free World combat operations in Vietnam. Colonel Durnford’s leadership, superior initiative and dedication were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Durnford is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323)Action Date:
June 3, 1945
TAF SPOT: Serial 251AThe 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 Dewey Foster Durnford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-32195), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, on 3 June 1945. Destroying two enemy aircraft in aerial combat, First Lieutenant Durnford contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323)Action Date:
April 16, 1945
ComGenTact: Serial 0086AThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Dewey Foster Durnford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-32195), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, on 16 April 1945. Contacting two enemy bombers while on combat patrol over ships of a Naval Task Force, Second Lieutenant Durnford pressed home an attack to destroy the hostile aircraft. By his gallant devotion to duty he contributed to the safety of the Task Force and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323)Action Date:
April 28, 1945
TAF SPOT: Serial 251AThe 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 Second Lieutenant Dewey Foster Durnford, Jr. (MCSN: 0-32195), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu Islands Area, on 28 April 1945. Destroying two enemy aircraft in aerial combat, Second Lieutenant Durnford contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.