The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John P. Sutherland (MCSN: 0-42278), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-212), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 June 1952. Leading a flight of four fighter planes while engaged with friendly surface units in destroying enemy coastal defense installations, Captain Sutherland quickly directed one of his aircraft onto an enemy target when the plane developed mechanical trouble and instructed the pilot to return with a passing flight that was proceeding to its base. After being directed to an enemy gun position by the surface controller, he led his remaining planes in an aggressive attack on the hostile weapons and, when one aircraft was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire, skillfully directed rescue operations from the air, resulting in the safe rescue of the downed pilot. Returning to the target area, he again led his flight in devastating attacks and destroyed three hostile boats and one coastal gun position. Redirected by the surface controller, he carried out additional attacks with his wingman and succeeded in destroying four bunkers and in damaging one gun position. When his wingman developed an electrical fire in the cockpit, Captain Sutherland led him on the final attack and destroyed four buildings and one gun position. By his superb airmanship, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy fire, Captain Sutherland contributed materially to the success of his unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.