The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Joseph E. Burns (MCSN: 0-29193), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight with a Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron in Korea on 27 October 1952. While escorting a flight of Air Force light bombers engaged in night attacks against heavily defended enemy railroad facilities, Captain Burns observed concentrated anti-aircraft fire bursting with increasing accuracy around the flight. With utter disregard for hazards imposed by precipitous terrain and restricted visibility, he immediately executed a daring low level bombing and strafing assault on the hostile weapons, thus silencing the enemy fire and causing large secondary explosions. After the bombing aircraft had been assured of their safe withdrawal, he voluntarily remained alone deep in hostile territory to continue the attack. By this action he succeeded in demolishing several railroad cars with direct bomb hits. Captain Burns’ outstanding courage, aggressiveness and exceptional bombing accuracy were directly instrumental in the protection of the light bombers and in addition, aided substantially to the destruction of vital supplies destined for the enemy front line forces. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.