Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Frank H. Simonds (MCSN: 0-13677), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF(AW)-513)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1952

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Frank H. Simonds (MCSN: 0-13677), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane and Commanding Officer of Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 February 1952. Participating in a night intruder mission in the vicinity of Pyongyang, Major Simonds skillfully carried out a reconnaissance of the area without the aid of flare-dropping aircraft. Utilizing the scattered lights of a large enemy motor convoy to determine his altitude above the extremely rugged terrain, he launched a damaging attack against the convoy. With the resulting fires enabling him to locate a group of the supply-laden vehicles, which had dispersed beyond the fringes of firelight, he shifted his attacks to a cluster of buildings which appeared to be a supply or refueling point. Undaunted by automatic weapons and small arms fire during the initial approach, he fearlessly continued to attack the objective until his ordnance was expended and ten buildings were engulfed by flames. His alertness, expert airmanship and courageous devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Major Simonds and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Frank H. Simonds (MCSN: 0-13677), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.