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 Ensign Emmett R. Aillaud, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement and unswerving devotion to duty while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an attack bomber in Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea. On 4 September 1951, with courageous efficiency and utter disregard for his own personal safety, he fearlessly made repeated attacks against enemy ground troops within seventy to one hundred fifty yards of United Nations Forces. Time after time, in the face of withering fire from enemy ground troops, he made low level, scorching napalm attacks, and followed these with precision bombing and strafing until all ammunition was expended. As a result the target was neutralized to the point that friendly forces were able to secure this position shortly thereafter. Upon securing the area under attack, United Nations Forces counted over five hundred enemy dead. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Emmett R. Aillaud, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Fighter Squadron FIFTY-FOUR (VF-54), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 3 July to 3 October 1950. As pilot of a fighter plane, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Aillaud completed thirty-five strike missions over enemy territory. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.