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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Patrick M. Fant (NSN: 0-492685), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Wingman in a flight of two Attack Bombers attached to Attack Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED TWO (VA-702), and serving with Carrier Air Group ONE HUNDRED ONE aboard U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21) in Korea on 20 May 1951. With complete disregard for his own personal safety in the face of heavy and light anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fant skillfully assisted in repeated bombing, napalming and strafing attacks on a Chinese Communist staging area near Nu-san, Korea. He was instrumental in interrupting enemy troops preparing to stage an attack on our front lines by destroying gun positions, automatic weapons, supplies and an estimated one hundred fifty troops. His courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 702 (VA-702)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Boxer (CV-21)

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1951
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 192 (February 2, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Patrick M. Fant (NSN: 0-492685), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Pilot of an Attack Bomber attached to Attack Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED TWO (VA-702), and serving with Carrier Air Group ONE HUNDRED ONE aboard U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21) during action against enemy forces near Hyon-ni, Korea, on 18 May 1951. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Fant, in his capacity as a low-level rescue patrol pilot, made persistent and determined runs on enemy troops and thwarted their repeated attempt at reaching a downed and injured pilot. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire that hit his plane in seven places and the fact that another rescue patrol plane with him was shot down, he coolly and efficiently remained on his low level rescue patrol station with a low fuel supply until the arrival of a relief. His vigilance and courageous devotion to duty with complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Radioman First Class

    Batallion:

    Squadron 92

    Division:

    U.S.S. Tulagi (CVE-72)

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman First Class Patrick M. Fant (NSN: 0-492685), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands on 24 May 1945. Aviation Radioman First Class Fant completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.