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 Commander Howard P. Ady, Jr. (NSN: 0-82318), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of an attack plane, serving as Commander Carrier Air Group ONE HUNDRED ONE on board the U.S.S. KEARSARGE (CV-33). As strike leader of a combined fighter and attack plane close air support mission, over communist held North Korea, in the Whitehouse hill area, on 12 October 1952, Commander Ady led his flight through adverse weather conditions over mountainous terrain to attack an enemy stronghold. Despite low ceiling and reduced visibility he obtained numerous direct hits, while bombing and strafing the area. Because of his superb skill and leadership, while maneuvering in the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, damage inflicted on the attacking aircraft was minimized. The skill and daring exhibited by Commander Ady, with disregard for his own personal safety, completely demoralized and routed the enemy from this gathering point, killing one hundred fifty troops and destroying an entire village. His inspiring leadership and daring initiative contributed directly to the United Nations’ effort in Korea and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Howard P. Ady, Jr. (NSN: 0-82318), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as leader of a section of Ventura aircraft as part of a Squadron engaged in a night mine laying mission in heavily fortified and strongly defended enemy waters. Due in great part to the courageous and skillful leadership of his section the Squadron succeeded, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and subsequent attack by enemy planes, in mining a narrow, heavily defended passage at night, while flying in close formation and at low altitude. The successful accomplishment of this mission was of great strategic value in denying the use of this vital passage to enemy shipping; and his superb skill, courage and determination in carrying out this extremely dangerous mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Carrier Air Group 101Division:
U.S.S. Kearsarge (CV-33)Action Date:
September 8, 1952 – February 21, 1953
All Hands (April 1954)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Howard P. Ady, Jr. (NSN: 0-82318), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Carrier Air Group ONE HUNDRED ONE, while serving on board the U.S.S. KEARSARGE (CV-33), during sustained combat operations against the North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces from 8 September 1952 to 21 February 1953. Commander Ady continually demonstrated an inspirational and aggressive leadership, which resulted in an outstanding performance by the squadrons under his command. His thorough understanding of the naval mission in Korea, competent leadership, sound policies of operational practice, coupled with an uncompromising sense of duty in carrying the war to the enemy, contributed materially to the high morale which existed throughout the combat tour. As a result of his conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of an important mission, the Air Group completed approximately ninety-six sorties. A total of 4,550 tons of bombs, 2,800 rockets and 1,380,000 rounds of ammunition were expended. As an outstanding air combat leader and pilot, Commander Ady flew more than fifty strike missions, thereby personally contributing to the heavy damage inflicted on the enemy. His courageous conduct, inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit to himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Ady is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)