The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Lawrence W. Bender (MCSN: 0-29988), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 12 June 1952. As a member of a four plane flight on an armed reconnaissance mission, Captain Bender attacked camouflaged troop positions near the town of Kujong-ni, scored a direct hit with his napalm bomb and inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy. Continuing further on the mission, the flight was directed to attack two villages containing enemy supplies and gun positions. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Bender carried his attacks through to completion and with unerring accuracy scored direct hits that damaged the installations severely. At a third village Captain Bender attacked enemy installations and with his remaining bombs caused a large secondary explosion and destroyed several buildings. Captain Bender’s outstanding marksmanship in the face of enemy fire and steadfast devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.