The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel George Clifton Axtell, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6857), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot and Commanding Officer of carrier based Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-312), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 June 1952. Reaching the objective area prior to the arrival of the striking force while serving as Tactical Air Coordinator for a massed aerial assault against heavily defended enemy hydroelectric installations, Lieutenant Colonel Axtell initiated a daring bombing assault in the face of heavy, accurate hostile anti-aircraft fire and, after completing his attack, conducted a low-level photographic reconnaissance until the main strike group arrived. Directing the striking force of jet and propeller driven fighter-bombers in a closely coordinated and highly destructive attack on the extensive enemy installations, he remained in the area at low altitude following the withdrawal of the friendly assaulting planes to complete photographic damage assessments. By his exemplary leadership and resolute perseverance in remaining at low-level altitude to direct his division while under constant hostile anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Colonel Axtell was largely responsible for the success of a mission that obtained vital intelligence information and seriously damaged enemy electrical power installations. His superb airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.