The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Paul “F” Bent, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine Attack Squadron in Korea. On 16 June 1953, Major Bent 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, Major Bent 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 twenty food 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. Major Bent’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.