The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Alvin W. Burri (MCSN: 0-48881), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 22 April 1951. Serving as an observer with a Marine Observation Squadron, First Lieutenant Burri was flying on a reconnaissance mission over enemy lines, when he located a large enemy force preparing to ambush advancing friendly ground forces. Realizing the danger to the friendly troops, he courageously made a pass over the enemy at an extremely low altitude to mark the position with smoke grenades, although his slow, vulnerable aircraft was immediately subjected to withering enemy anti-aircraft fire, causing extensive damage. In order to insure that the friendly troops were definitely aware of the danger ahead of them, he then flew again through the heavy enemy fire to drop a warning message, pin-pointing the enemy ambush. First Lieutenant Burri’s efficient action and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.