The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Arvid O. Munson (ASN: 0-2058357), United States Army, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 11th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1950. Prior to 7 July only the advance elements of the 24th Infantry Division had arrived in Korea and were trying desperately to delay the enemy. The Commanding General had scarcely any enemy information or means of obtaining it. Lieutenant Munson, one of the first American pilots to operate a liaison-type aircraft in the Korean conflict was flying an intelligence mission. In his effort to obtain complete and accurate information he flew deep into enemy territory which was completely unfamiliar to him. Realizing the great danger while flying alone, without escort and very low in order to observe enemy troop activities, Lieutenant Munson risked this danger to accomplish his mission. While on the return leg of this flight he was shot down by enemy aircraft in the vicinity of Chonan, Korea, and is listed as missing in action. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on Lieutenant Munson and the military service.