The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Ernest C. Brace (MCSN: 0-55168), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea. On 16 November 1952, Second Lieutenant Brace participated in an aerial assault on a vital and heavily defended enemy hydroelectric plant in the vicinity of Chungnim. Completing his dive bombing attack through intense and accurate enemy defensive fire, he remained over the target area to cover the Tactical Air Controller Airborne in directing thirty-two fighter bombers and twenty-two attack aircraft onto the objective. Upon completion of the last series of these attacks, Second Lieutenant Brace, with complete disregard for his personal safety, initiated a low level photographic reconnaissance during which his aircraft received critical damage from the continuing enemy ground fire. Displaying superb airmanship, he flew his crippled attack aircraft clear of the enemy area and crash landed in the Sea of Japan where he was rescued by a destroyer. Second Lieutenant Brace’s aggressiveness and professional skill contributed greatly to the success of a mission that resulted in the complete destruction of an enemy hydroelectric plant, a transformer yard and sub-station and six buildings. His outstanding initiative, courageous conduct, and selfless devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.