The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major [then Captain] Frederick Corbin Blesse (AFSN: 0-17010A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 25 May 1952, Major Blesse distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement and heroism against enemies of the United Nations in Korea. As leader of a flight of F-86’s assigned to furnish high protection cover for a photo-reconnaissance plane Major Blesse observed two MiG’s heading for the area preparing to attack the RF-80. He quickly positioned his flight for an aggressive attack then followed through. Major Blesse closed to 1,000 feet range firing several short bursts. Strikes covered the entire enemy aircraft, pieces started falling off and the aircraft began smoking profusely. As the two MiG’s escaped across the Yalu River the pilot in the damaged aircraft ejected himself and the MiG crashed just across the border in Manchuria. Through Major Blesse’s cool thinking in a tactical situation, one MiG-15 was destroyed and an important reconnaissance mission completed. The superlative airmanship and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Blesse on this occasion is indicative of his conduct throughout his entire combat tour, reflecting 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 Major Frederick Corbin Blesse (AFSN: 0-17010A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement and heroism while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations Forces in Korea on 6 August 1952. As flight leader of four F-86’s on a reciprocal patrol near Sinuiju, Major Blesse sighted a flight of four MiG’s at 15,000 feet. Dividing his flight into two elements, he attacked the enemy formation. Expertly positioning himself behind a MiG, he fired a long burst observing several strikes, however, an additional flight of MiG-15 aircraft forced Major Blesse to break off and allow the damaged MiG to withdraw. In the ensuing battle, Major Blesse sighted another enemy aircraft and despite this aircraft’s violent evasive maneuvers he succeeded in firing several short bursts which caused the MiG to erupt into a mass of flame. This enemy aircraft crashed on the south end of Ta Tung Keu Airfield. Major Blesse’s tenacious attack in the face of overwhelming odds contributed largely to the success of the mission and resulted in his personal destruction of one MiG and damage of another reflecting the highest 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Frederick Corbin Blesse (AFSN: 0-17010A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 1 January 1951. Captain Blesse displayed outstanding airmanship and navigational skill while leading his flight through sub-marginal weather over hazardous terrain to the target area at Koensong, Korea. Captain Blesse pinpointed and attacked a strong enemy position with bombs, rockets and machine gun fire. Despite intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Blesse continued to press his attack. Fully aware that his aircraft had sustained damage from enemy ground fire, Captain Blesse continued his attack until all ordnance had been expended. As a direct result of this mission Captain Blesse and his wingman inflicted over two-hundred casualties upon the enemy and forced the remaining enemy troops to withdraw in complete disorder. Return to base was successfully accomplished despite the hazardous weather and lack of navigational aids. By his high personal courage, aeronautical skill, and devotion to duty Captain Blesse has brought great credit upon himself, his parent organization, and the United States Air Force.