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.