Lawrence E. Freligh

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lawrence E. Freligh (A0-801757), Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of a B-26 type aircraft, 6167th Air Base Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 8 December 1952. On that date, Major Freligh was directing a fighter-bomber attack over Ullyl, North Korea. While Major Freligh was pulling out of a run on the target, a forty millimeter anti-aircraft shell exploded inside the cockpit inches away from him, tearing a gaping hole the size of a man’s fist in his hip. Although he was thrown into a temporary state of shock, Major Freligh struggled to maintain control of the aircraft, which had begun to lose altitude. Remaining conscious only through the utmost determination despite intense pain and the fact that his legs were paralyzed and his sight and hearing impaired, Major Freligh flew the aircraft back to base, guided only by the hand signals of his navigator. Upon reaching the base, Major Freligh elected to attempt a wheels-down landing, in order to prevent injury to the crew. This landing was skillfully accomplished by Major Freligh, although he was suffering excruciating pain, and could exert no rudder control. By his high personal courage, superior flying ability in the face of great difficulty, and devotion to duty beyond the normal call, Major Freligh reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.