The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Donald D. Blue (MCSN: 0-8593), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy aggressor forces in Korea. Lieutenant Colonel Blue, while serving as a pilot with Marine Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMA-121), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, FMF, on 29 November 1952, led a flight of four attack aircraft on a mission over enemy territory, destroying a heavily entrenched, well camouflaged enemy strong point containing automatic weapons which were harassing ground units of the FIRST Marine Division with accurate and deadly fire. Lieutenant Colonel Blue instructed the members of his flight to remain over friendly lines while he personally searched out the target. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he flew at a low altitude through intense 20-mm. and small arms fire and located the skillfully camouflaged positions. Rejoining his flight, he expertly maneuvered his plane to make the first attack on the target through the intense flak, scoring a direct hit, which effectively marked the target for the other members of his flight. As a direct result of Lieutenant Colonel Blue’s superb airmanship, the enemy gun positions were completely destroyed and the fire on the Division units was promptly lifted. His alertness, prompt and well planned actions, and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.