The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Charles Goold Cleveland (AFSN: 18360A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 15 September 1952, in aerial combat as the pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, against enemies of the United Nations in Korea. As flight leader in a flight giving cover to fighter-bombers, Lieutenant Cleveland intercepted four MiG’s and during the attack became separated from his element. Continuing to harass the enemy with his wingman, Lieutenant Cleveland followed them through two, three-hundred and sixty degree turns, closed and fired at the number four MiG causing extensive damage. Following the MiG’s through several violent evasive maneuvers he closed and fired again, causing the MiG to burst into flames and dive to the ground. Lieutenant Cleveland’s superior airmanship and initiative resulted in the annihilation of one Communist MiG reflecting great credit upon himself, his comrades-in-arms of the United Nations and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Charles Goold Cleveland (AFSN: 18360A), United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemies of the United Nations forces in Korea, while serving as a Pilot of the 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, Kimpo Air Base, South Korea, in action on 5 August 1952. While flying leader in an element of two F-86’s on a routine patrol in the Sinuiju area, he sighted two MiG’s headed toward Antung, Manchuria across the Yalu River. Lieutenant Cleveland expertly positioned himself behind the leading MiG and fired two short bursts striking the fuselage and right wing. Before the attack could be continued the MiG’s escaped across the Yalu River. Lieutenant Cleveland and his wingman resumed patrol until two MiG’s were observed heading northeast. He quickly maneuvered for his attack and closed to 800 feet range firing short bursts which scored heavy hits in the fuselage and tail section. The enemy aircraft lost power after an explosion in the engine and the pilot jettisoned the canopy and ejected himself. As a result of cool thinking in a tactical situation, Lieutenant Cleveland destroyed one MiG and damaged another. Through his skilled airmanship, expert marksmanship and selfless devotion to duty he as reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.