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 Everett Lee Shields, Jr. (AFSN: A0-2231086), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-84 Thunderjet Fighter of the 428 Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces over a valley southeast of Kumsong, Korea, on 19 July 1953. On that date, Lieutenant Shields led an element in a flight of four aircraft against heavy and automatic weapon positions. The first element dropped proximity-type bombs for flak suppression, but as Lieutenant Shields started his gradual napalm run, he was informed that the bombs had been infective. Lieutenant Shields acknowledged this warning, but continued his napalm run at an altitude of two hundred feet. This extremely shallow run exposed the element for an extended time to intense and accurate automatic and small-arms fire, which was directed down on the aircraft from both ridges surrounding the target. As Lieutenant Shields approached the target he received a direct hit just aft of the cockpit. He informed the flight of his condition, but continued his hazardous napalm run without regard to the condition of his plane. Approximately fifty feet over the target he released both napalm tanks, scoring direct hits which covered two gun positions in a sheet of flame. Through his courage, keen flying ability and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Shields reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.