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.