The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Cortney M. Anderson (NSN: 0-538974), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of a four plane division of jet fighters attached to Fighter Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VF-23), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Communist forces at Kojo, North Korea, on 8 October 1952. Ensign Anderson discovered several camouflaged troop and supply shelters and made a bombing attack to mark the target for the rest of the division. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire he scored direct hits on two large supply shelters resulting in secondary explosions. He then commenced bombing and strafing runs on the enemy anti-aircraft gun emplacements. With disregard for his own personal safety, he repeatedly braved a withering barrage of anti-aircraft fire to destroy two gun positions, allowing the other aircraft to press home their attacks. During the attack one of the planes in the flight received a direct hit in the nose section, which resulted in the loss of all electrical and hydraulic power and completely obscured the pilot’s vision. Despite a shortage of fuel he joined the damaged plane and through the patient use of hand signals determined the extent of the damage and instructed the other pilot to follow him. Displaying sound judgment and outstanding leadership, he led the damaged plane to a friendly field and aided the pilot in his approach to a successful landing. His initiative, courageous conduct and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.