The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Jesse “F” Baird (MCSN: 0-58796), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving with a Marine jet fighter squadron in Korea. On 16 June 1953, as a member of a flight of Marine jet fighter-bombers, Second Lieutenant Baird participated in an armed reconnaissance mission. Near Sinanjung-ri, he located a heavily defended road bridge situated on the enemy’s supply route and immediately initiated a daring dive bombing attack. Diving in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, Second Lieutenant Baird skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through the precipitous terrain to score direct bomb hits. Regaining altitude he detected a carefully camouflaged anti-aircraft position and conducted a low level strafing assault that effectively suppressed the defensive fire. His outstanding bombing accuracy and exemplary initiative were responsible for the success of a mission that destroyed a vital enemy bridge and inflicted heavy enemy casualties. Second Lieutenant Baid’s courageous conduct and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.