Navy Federal Credit Union

The 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 Captain Lincoln Boyd, Jr. (MCSN: 0-30828), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the armed enemy in Korea on 16 December 1951. Captain Boyd, as pilot of a slow, unarmed observation aircraft, was assigned the mission of searching for active enemy artillery positions in the Ousil area, which were inflicting casualties on friendly units. Due to a low ceiling and poor visibility, Captain Boyd unhesitatingly conducted his reconnaissance at extremely low altitudes, exposing his vulnerable aircraft to intense anti-aircraft fire. Finally, after locating several active enemy artillery positions, he immediately conducted a fire mission upon them. While directing the fire mission, Captain Boyd, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, made frequent low and hazardous passes to accurately pinpoint these enemy positions, continually being fired upon by four enemy machine guns which damaged his aircraft. Although his plane was damaged he completed a highly successful mission, by skillfully directing friendly artillery in the complete destruction of three active enemy artillery positions and damaging four others. His high degree of professional competence, coolness under fire, and selfless devotion to duty were exemplary and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron

    Action Date:

    September 23, 1951

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 12234 (December 30, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Lincoln Boyd, Jr. (MCSN: 0-30828), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy and while serving as a pilot attached to a Marine Fighter Squadron in Korea. On 23 September 1951, Captain Boyd, at the urgent request of a forward air controller for close air support, took off with his flight from a forward air base. Despite adverse weather and hazardous territory, he safely led his flight to the target area. Working in close conjunction with the forward air controller, he located two pockets of enemy troops and machine gun emplacements that were inflicting casualties on friendly troops and holding up their advance. Notwithstanding the intense and accurate small arms fire being directed at the planes, Captain Boyd, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, coordinated his attacks so as to most advantageously strike the target and keep it constantly under fire. Repeatedly, he pressed home his bombing, strafing and napalm attacks, until the mission was successfully accomplished. As a direct result of his outstanding leadership and expert marksmanship, many enemy troops were killed, four machine gun positions were destroyed and friendly forces were able to advance with a minimum of casualties. Captain Boyd’s skillful flying and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.