The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Thaddeus Thornton Coleman, Jr. (NSN: 0-130401), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier based fighter plane on Combat Air Patrol over our Task Force operating in the vicinity of the Island of Okinawa on 6 April 1945. During this flight he attacked and shot down two single engine enemy planes. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Lieutenant Thaddeus Thornton Coleman, Jr. (NSN: 0-130401), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Kyushu and Okinawa. As pilot of a carrier based plane during the period 18 March 1945 to 10 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes and flights over enemy territory and inflicted extensive damage to enemy airfields and installations. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.