Page 9 - DFCS News Magazine Winter 2012

Technical Sergeant Anton R. Beam is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Radio Gunner of a Scout Bomber Plane in Marine Scout Bomber Squadron Two Hundred Forty-Three during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands area from 5 to 13 March 1945. Com- pleting his twentieth mission during this period, Technical Sergeant Beam contributed materially to the success of his plane. His skill, courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Technical Sergeant Anton R. Beam is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Radio Gunner of a Scout Bomber Plane in Marine Scout Bomber Squadron Two Hundred Forty-Three during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands area from 24 April to 3 May 1945. Completing his fortiethmission dur- ing this period, Technical Sergeant Beam contributed materially to the success of his plane. His skill, courage and devotionto duty in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Technical Sergeant Anton R. Beam is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Radio Gunner of a Scout Bomber Plane in Marine Scout Bomber Squadron Two Hundred Forty-Three during operations against enemy Japa- nese forces in the Philippine Islands area from 5 to 18 June 1945. Completing his sixtieth mission during this period, Technical Sergeant Beam contributed materially to the success of his plane. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile opposition were in keeping with the highest tradi-
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas G. Berghuis for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of du- ty. Captain Berghuis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of the senior advisor's heli- copter for an Allied division combat assistance team. He was directing air strikes against extremely aggressive enemy forces that were heavily engaged with a friendly battalion. While directing these crucial air strikes, his fuel was running low. Atthis time, a request was received to evacuate a number of seriously wounded soldiers. Realizing that a medevac helicopter would
have difficulty due to the onset of darkness and fierce enemy fire, it was decided to use the senior advisor's helicopter toimmediately ex- tract the wounded. Without hesitation and without regard for his personal safety,
he made an immediate combat assault landing and hovered his aircraft over
waist-deep water while the wounded were loaded. Continuously, he and his air-
craft received intense automatic weapons fire. As it departed the landing zone
after the loading was completed, the helicopter received numerous direct hits in
the engine and in the hydraulic control system. Demonstrating heroic flying skills
and exemplary courage in the face of great danger, he struggled to keep his crip-
pled aircraft airborne and flew at tree-top level over hostile territory while
fighting to gain altitude. After achieving this feat in a magnificent display of cour-
age and professionalism, he brought the aircraft down safely in a running landing. His conspicuous gallantry in action was inkeeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distin- guished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Raymond H. Swalley for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Four Hundred Fifty-one, attached to the U.S.S. Bun- ker Hill, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 12 April 1945. While engaged in combat air patrol on this date, in compa-
ny with other members of his division, First Lieutenant Swalley carried out an attack against a
numerically superior force of hostile aircraft attacking units of our shipping and succeeded in
downing two of the sixteen enemy planes destroyed during the encounter. By his airmanship and devotion to duty, he contributed mate- rially to the safety of our ships in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Raymond H. Swalley for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as
Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Four Hundred Fifty-one, attached to the U.S.S.
Bunker Hill, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Iwo Jima, Kyushu and Okina-
wa Areas, from 21 February to 28 February 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Swalley contributed materially to the success of his Squadron in the in- fliction of extensive damage on enemy aircraft, airfields and installations. His courage and devo- tion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Page 9 The Distinguished Flying Cross News