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 Samuel B. Berrey (NSN: 0-98706), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as pilot of an attack plane and as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron NINETY-FIVE (VA-95), on board the U.S.S. PHILIPPINE SEA (CV-47) on 16 June 1953. As a strike leader over Communist-held North Korea, Commander Berrey brought great personal credit upon himself by his extraordinary aerial achievement. Initiating repeated attacks in close support of friendly front line forces during a period of heavy enemy ground action, his extremely accurate bombing scored hits on enemy targets, completely destroying four personnel and supply shelters, two mortar positions and 85 yards of trench. After expending his bomb load, he made several effective strafing attacks on other targets, causing two large secondary explosions. His courageous conduct and outstanding aerial leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of the PHILIPPINE SEA in its assigned missions and materially aided the efforts of the friendly ground forces against the enemy. His steadfast devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantDivision:
U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)Action Date:
January 9, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Samuel B. Berrey (NSN: 0-98706), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in Northern Formosa on 9 January 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber he fearlessly and courageously made a low-level bombing attack on an enemy industrial plant in the face of extremely intensive and accurate anti-aircraft fire. Despite the most adverse weather conditions of very low ceiling and bad visibility which left no choice for direction of attack he courageously proceeded in the face of all these hazards to his target where he scored three direct bomb hits on an industrial plant causing extensive and serious damage. In spite of anti-aircraft fire which blew a large hole in the starboard wing and aileron he pressed the attack home and then successfully piloted his damaged plane to the carrier. His courage and skill were inspiring and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.