The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Brilliant (MCSN: 0-7171), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea. On 3 October 1951, Lieutenant Colonel Brilliant led a twelve plane flight of Marine attack aircraft on a mission against a major enemy supply installation in the vicinity of the Han estuary. Upon locating the heavily defended target, he immediately deployed his flight and initiated a low level bombing attack through an increasingly intense barrage of defensive fire. Scoring direct hits with his bombs and rockets, Lieutenant Colonel Brilliant then continued to lead and direct his flight in repeated attacks that resulted in the destruction of eight enemy strongholds and the neutralization of all visible anti-aircraft positions. His skillful deployment of the flight and aggressive leadership were largely responsible for the success of a mission that seriously impaired the enemy supply and communications system, and substantially disrupted enemy operations within the area of attack. Lieutenant Colonel Brilliant’s courageous conduct, outstanding professional skill, and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Brilliant (MCSN: 0-7171), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine Fighter Squadron in Korea. On 30 November 1951, Lieutenant Colonel Brilliant led a flight of Marine fighter aircraft on a coastal armed reconnaissance mission near Ullyul. Promptly locating a carefully camouflaged enemy troop and supply concentration, he initiated a daring bombing assault that destroyed large supply buildings and left the area in flames. He then led an aggressive rocket attack on the main supply route, destroying enemy warehouses and inflicting heavy enemy casualties. Continuing the reconnaissance, Lieutenant Colonel Brilliant observed a heavy concentration of enemy troops in bunkers and slit trenches, and immediately led repeated low-level bombing and strafing assaults. Despite intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, he directed his flight in the complete destruction of the objective. Lieutenant Colonel Brilliant’s own bombing accuracy and exemplary leadership were largely responsible for the success of a mission that completely destroyed an enemy troop concentration destined to reinforce enemy front line units. His courageous conduct, outstanding aggressiveness and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.