The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Ralph Maxwell Bagwell (NSN: 0-85753), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an attack bomber plane and Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE (VA-35), attached to the U.S.S. LEYTE (CV-32), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 11 October to 12 December 1950. A superb leader and skilled airman, Lieutenant Commander Bagwell led his division on search and rescue missions, close air support flights and daring bombing attacks against enemy military targets in Songjin, Ch’onjin, Wonsan, Mapsu, Hungnam, Sinuiju, Hyesanjin, Sakchu, Ch’ongch’ong and Chosin Reservoir. Flying his aircraft in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron in inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy and in providing excellent air support for friendly ground forces. On 12 December 1950, while pressing home low-altitude bombing attacks against the enemy in the vicinity of Huich’on, he executed a forced crash landing and was last seen in custody of enemy troops. His cool courage, expert airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.