The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force) (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Charles Ray Spath (AFSN: A0-1910283), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter of the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces over Simanju, Korea on 3 February 1952. Lieutenant Spath was flying Number Four position in a flight of four F-86 type aircraft on a combat air patrol over the Simanju area when a large formation of MiG-15s was sighted. Though overwhelmingly outnumbered, the flight leader positioned his flight for an attack. When the engine in the Number Three aircraft failed, Lieutenant Spath continued to cover it even though he had to slow his aircraft to dangerously low speed. The MiGs quickly attacked the disabled Number Three aircraft, but were repeatedly repulsed by Lieutenant Spath’s superlative airmanship and marksmanship. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Spath continued to fight although outnumbered three to one. Finally, three MiGs converged upon him, and due to the slow speed of his aircraft, he was unable to evade them. One MiG scored hits on Lieutenant Spath’s aircraft and as it started burning and lost power, he advised his leader that he was bailing out. Then, even though his aircraft was burning, Lieutenant Spath, with extreme coolness, deliberately exposed himself to the cannon fire of numerous MiGs to allow the pilot of the disabled aircraft sufficient time to make a successful air start. The extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Spath in deliberately risking his life to save a fellow pilot reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.