The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Dale C. Gough (MCSN: 0-47019), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMA-121), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. Assigned the mission of attacking hostile artillery positions which were inflicting heavy casualties upon friendly troops, First Lieutenant Gough scored a direct bomb hit on one of the enemy gun emplacements, although the positions were surrounded by precipitous terrain. During his second attack on the target, his plane became severely damaged by hostile defensive fire and he was forced to discontinue his run. Despite the concentrated enemy anti-aircraft fire, he maneuvered his crippled aircraft into position for a third attack and succeeded in destroying another gun emplacement and in successfully suppressing artillery fire in the area. By his heroic actions, First Lieutenant Gough was directly responsible for the destruction of two hostile weapons which were endangering the security of friendly ground forces. His outstanding skill, indomitable courage and gallant devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.