The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert E. Steed (MCSN: 0-49474), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of a Marine Attack Squadron in Korea. On 16 June 1953, Captain Steed participated in a high priority aerial assault deep in enemy territory against a heavily defended and extremely vital enemy dam near the Yalu River. Displaying superb airmanship, Captain Steed initiated daring dive bombing attacks, despite concentrated hostile anti-aircraft fire and assaults by enemy jet interceptors, in an attempt to effect a break in the two hundred and twenty foot wide earthen barrier. After returning to a friendly air base to refuel and reload he again joined the massed flight and conducted repeated low-level bombing and strafing attacks that scored direct bomb hits. Captain Steed’s outstanding bombing accuracy and exemplary aggressiveness were responsible for the success of a mission that seriously damaged a vital enemy dam. His courageous conduct and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.