The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman Thomas Manson Atkins, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while flying as an aerial gunner of a B-26 type light bomber, on a night interdiction mission against enemy transportation facilities in the vicinity of Yul, Korea, on 22 January 1952. Airman Atkins displayed outstanding skill and airmanship. He was instrumental in the sighting of enemy convoy and initiating an attack. Seven bombing runs and three strafing passes resulted in the destruction of eighteen vehicles. Heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire and heavy anti-air-craft fire was encountered. He pinpointed the enemy and the automatic weapons fire were silenced. The attack was continued until all ordnance had been expended. The destruction caused by this highly successful mission deprived the enemy of badly needed supplies and transportation facilities. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Airman Atkins brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.