The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert L. Bothwell, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a night attack plane of Composite Squadron THIRTY-FIVE, attacked to the U.S.S. PRINCETON (CV-37), on 10 September 1952. While flying a pre-dawn heckler mission over Communist-held North Korea, Lieutenant Bothwell led his night attack team to destroy two truck convoys and stop an enemy train. South of Wonsan, in total darkness and reduced visibility, he repeatedly attacked a convoy under flare illumination and destroyed at least seven enemy trucks. In attacks against a second convoy he destroyed four trucks although intense automatic anti-aircraft fire shot away his radio antenna. Despite his damaged aircraft he continued reconnaissance and east of Yonghung halted a speeding Communist supply train by straddling the locomotive with his last two bombs. He further battered the locomotive with repeated 20-mm. strafing runs and stayed on station until the first day strike from the force was diverted to complete destruction of this twenty-car train. His skill and courage, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, materially aided the night interdiction efforts of the United Nations Forces against the enemy. His superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.