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 First Lieutenant Alton J. Thorgersen, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 July 1953 in aerial combat against enemies of the United States in Korea, as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, 5th Air Force. On this day, Lieutenant Thogersen was leading a two ship element in a flight of four F-86’s on a combat patrol deep in enemy territory when he sighted eight MiG-15’s and called them out to his flight leader. As his leader initiated an attack on one of the MiGs, Lieutenant Thogersen observed four of the remaining enemy MiGs slide out for a counter attack. Skillfully maneuvering his aircraft, Lieutenant Thogersen aggressively turned into the four MiGs forcing them to break off their counter attack. At that time, four more enemy MiGs attacked Lieutenant Thogersen and his flight leader, but through superior airmanship and fearless courage, Lieutenant Thogersen also engaged these four and forced them away from his leader. By aggressively engaging the eight enemy aircraft and keeping them from attacking his flight leader, Lieutenant Thogersen, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, allowed his leader to accomplish the destruction of one MIG-15. This mission exemplifies the exceptionally outstanding airmanship and selfless courage displayed by Lieutenant Thogersen throughout his combat tour, and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.