The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Howard Alphonse Borgerding (NSN: 0-447129), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an attack bomber in Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR (VF-194), embarked in U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE (CV-45), during the rescue of a downed pilot in the Hamhung area on 3 February 1952. The downed pilot was under heavy enemy fire, and Lieutenant Borgerding led his division of aircraft in a series of strafing attacks in order to neutralize the gun positions until a rescue could be effected. This action exposed Lieutenant Borgerding to a murderous hail of anti-aircraft fire, seriously damaging his plane. In spite of this damage, he continued his mission, repeatedly attacking until a successful rescue was accomplished. His daring tactics and cool courage, coupled with an absolute disregard for his own personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.