The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Frederick Corbin Blesse (AFSN: 0-17010A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-bomber of the 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 4 September 1952. Leading a flight of four F-86s on patrol, Major Blesse directed two of his flight to return to base as a result of faulty wing tank feeding on one F-86. After initiating an attack on two sighted MiGs, Major Blesse was about to close when three more MiGs positioned behind him and his wingman. Realizing the seriousness of his position, Major Blesse broke, and after a series of evasive actions ending in a maximum performance diving turn, he shook off the enemy aircraft. As he returned to his patrol, a three-ship enemy flight was sighted. As Major Blesse pressed his attack, two of the enemy broke into the overcast. Concentrating on the remaining MiG, he closed to 1,000 feet, following the enemy through a series of violent evasive actions as he attempted to shake free. Firing, Major Blesse scored hits on the fuselage, mid-section and wing roots, causing the pilot to eject himself when the MiG broke into flame. Through his skillful airmanship and gallantry in action against a determined enemy, Major Blesse reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.