The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Elmer A. Anderson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-18861), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy of a Marine Attack Squadron in Korea. On 14 November 1951, Major Anderson led a division of Marine Attack Aircraft on a high priority close air support mission against enemy mortars that were inflicting damage on friendly front line units. Promptly locating the objective in mountainous terrain, Major Anderson initiated a low-level bombing and strafing assault. Diving to minimum altitude through intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, he scored direct napalm hits that engulfed the area in flames. With the target clearly defined he then directed the remainder of the flight in an aerial assault that demolished two large bunkers and enemy mortars. Major Anderson’s exceptional accuracy and exemplary leadership were responsible for the success of a flight that inflicted heavy casualties and substantially reduced pressure on elements of the United Nations ground forces. His courageous conduct, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.