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 Captain Lynden E. Thomason (AFSN: AO-2093941), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 23 March through 24 March 1951. Flying as pilot of a slow, unarmed and highly vulnerable H-5 helicopter, Captain Thomason made repeated flights through enemy small arms and machine gun fire to effect the evacuation of critically wounded United Nations personnel from the airborne infantry drop zone at Mansan, Korea. Immediately after the completion of the initial para-drop the rescue aircraft proceeded to the drop zone twenty-three miles dep in enemy territory. En route to the drop zone the defenseless helicopter was subjected to intense enemy rifle and machine gun fire. When the aircraft landed at the aid station the enemy immediately subjected the site to a heavy barrage of artillery, mortar, and small arms fire which caused United Nations personnel to take shelter. The gravity of the injuries suffered by the patents warranted immediate evacuation which was accomplished in the face of intense enemy fire. The wounded were flown to advanced medication stations behind friendly lines. Captain Thomason, having full knowledge that his life would be jeopardized by heavy and accurate enemy fire, voluntarily made repeated trips over enemy territory to render medical assistance and evacuation facilities available to the casualties. First Lieutenant Thomason’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty without regard for his own personal safety reflects great credit upon himself and the united State Air Force, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.