The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Vernon W. Blair (NSN: 0-176910), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet fighter plane attached to Fighter Squadron NINETY-THREE (VF-93), on board the U.S.S. PHILIPPINE SEA ( CV-47), on 3 July 1953. Lieutenant Command Blair led his flight of jet fighter aircraft on a successful armed reconnaissance mission in the area immediately north of the strategic front line sectors of “Christmas Hill” and “Heartbreak Ridge.”: He sought out and destroyed four heavily loaded supply vehicles, four weapons carriers towing artillery pieces and damaged an additional three carriers with connected artillery weapons. Reconnoitering the important and heavily defended enemy main supply route from the Anbyon rail terminus to the eastern central front line, he located two separate supply and weapons convoys through breaks in the low cloud layer covering the supply route. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire he made repeated rocket and strafing attacks that resulted in the destruction of four heavily-laden supply vehicles. Leading his flight on eight attacks made at extremely low altitudes, he rocketed and strafed the second convoy of weapons carriers destroying four and damaging three others. Although his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, he continued to press home his attacks until his ordnance was expended. His courageous conduct and superb airmanship contributed immeasurably to the success of the PHILIPPINE SEA in its assigned missions. His inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.