The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Charles L. Schroeder (MCSN: 0-27452), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the nights of 12 and 13 April 1953. Participating in the development and evaluation of searchlight-illuminated night close air support assaults against heavily defended and well-entrenched enemy front-line positions, Major Schroeder carried out two low-level bombing and strafing attacks on the carefully camouflaged objective in the face of intense hostile antiaircraft fire. Diving to minimum altitude, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through the precipitous terrain and scored direct bomb hits on enemy personnel shelters. By his superb airmanship, courageous initiative and determination, Major Schroeder was largely responsible for the success of two missions that demolished four personnel shelters and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. His steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Service.