Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Guy Pierre Bordelon (NSN: 0-278231), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot of a Night Fighter Plane attached to Composing Squadron THREE (VC-3), serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO (VF-52), embarked in U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVS-37), while temporarily based ashore at Pyongtaek Airfield in South Korea on 1 July 1953. Flying in total darkness over mountainous terrain and through adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Bordelon intercepted a flight of enemy planes in the vicinity of the Jaeju peninsula of North Korea. Utilizing his intercept radar, he exhibited superior ability and airmanship by maneuvering his plane into an attack position on each of two enemy Lavochkin Nine aircraft and destroyed them. The second enemy pilot attempted to escape into the restricted air space surround the Armistice Delegation Headquarters at Munsan-ni. Despite the heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire during the pursuit, Lieutenant Bordelon was able to attack and destroy this plane just before entry into the restricted zone. By his skill, courage and complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Bordelon successfully accomplished his mission. His actions and steadfast devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 152 (VF-152)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Princeton (CVS-37)

    Action Date:

    July 17, 1953

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1487 (July 24, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Guy Pierre Bordelon (NSN: 0-278231), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of a night fighter plane in Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO (VF-152), embarked in U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVS-37), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, on 17 July 1953. While flying a night mission, Lieutenant Bordelon intercepted and destroyed a Communist night intruder aircraft bringing to a total of five such aircraft he has destroyed recently, thereby becoming the first Navy pilot to achieve such a record during the Korean War. For many months the enemy has conducted a series of night air raids which constituted a serious threat in the thickly populated area of Seoul, and Lieutenant Bordelon’s actions have assisted materially in the removal of this threat. He exhibited superior ability and airmanship by maneuvering his plane into an attack position which enabled him to destroy the enemy aircraft. His conspicuous gallantry, fearless aggressiveness and unparalleled performance in pressing home vigorous and superbly executed attacks contributed directly to the successful accomplishment of his assigned mission. By his outstanding professional skill and great personal courage, Lieutenant Bordelon’s accomplishments represent an important increase in the night security of friendly forces. His conduct throughout reflects great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 152 (VF-152)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Princeton (CVS-37)

    Action Date:

    June 29, 1953

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1408 (July 5, 1953

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Guy Pierre Bordelon (NSN: 0-278231), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot of a Night Fighter Plane attached to Composing Squadron THREE (VC-3), serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO (VF-52), embarked in U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVS-37), on 29 June 1953, in Korea. Lieutenant Bordelon, as the officer in charge of a four-plane night fighter detachment, was ordered by Commander Task Force 77 to temporarily base his unit ashore at Pyongtaek Airfield in South Korea as a means of intercepting the nightly air attacks that had been harassing friendly positions. On the night of 29 June, Lieutenant Bordelon, while flying a combat air patrol in the Suwon area of South Korea, encountered five enemy aircraft. Demonstrating outstanding skill and daring, he engaged and personally destroyed two Yakovlev Eighteen aircraft, which returned his fire and took violent evasive action at dangerously low altitude over mountainous terrain. Lieutenant Bordelon’s ability, courage and complete disregard for his personal safety contributed directly to the successful accomplishment of the mission. His actions and steadfast devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.