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 Captain Lonnie Raymond Moore (AFSN: A0-693467), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 1 June 1953, in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, as Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. Sighting a flight of six enemy MiG-15s, Captain Moore radioed his plan of attack to his wingman and the two of them quickly turned to intercept the enemy flight. In spite of being greatly outnumbered by the enemy fighters, Captain Moore made his attack and skillfully maneuvered to a firing position on one of the MiGs. As he opened fire on the MiG, numerous hits were seen to rake the enemy’s wings and fuselage. At this time the enemy pilot began violent evasive tactics in an effort to avoid the deadly gunfire, but Captain Moore, using his superior skill and knowledge of combat flying, remained in firing position and continued to press his attack to the utmost. With the second burst of his guns, Captain Moore placed several direct hits up the MiG’s tailpipe, causing an internal explosion and fire to break out. Shortly thereafter the enemy pilot ejected, abandoning his stricken aircraft to its destruction. Captain Moore then maneuvered his aircraft on a second MiG, damaging it by inflicting hits in the fuselage before he was forced to terminate the attack because of low fuel. Captain Moore’s outstanding airmanship and courageous leadership are deserving of the highest praise. Captain Moore’s superior flying ability, coupled with his loyalty and devotion to duty, reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Lonnie Raymond Moore (AFSN: A0-693467), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 18 July 1953, in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, as Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. While flying as element leader on a counter air mission deep in enemy territory near the Yalu River, Captain Moore initiated a diving attack on eight MiG’s from 27,000 feet. At 1,000 feet altitude he pulled in behind the lead MiG and fired, scoring hits in the fuselage with one burst of his deadly fire. The MiG immediately began a series of violent acrobatics and evasive maneuvers which took the two aircraft in and out of low clouds at a dangerously low altitude. Throughout these maneuvers, Captain Moore coolly persisted in the attack with superior skill, firing and scoring hits that caused the enemy aircraft to smoke heavily. Finally the MiG pilot, in desperation, and completely demoralized by the skill and persistence of Captain Moore’s attack, was observed by Captain Moore’s wingman to pull up into a loop, and at the top of this maneuver, eject himself. Upon return to his home base, Captain Moore was officially credited with the destruction of one MiG-15. Captain Moore’s skill, courage, and aggressiveness reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.