AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against the enemy while engaged in a night intruder mission in the Sinmsk area, Korea, on the night of 19 May 1951. While serving as a pilot with a Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron, Lieutenant Coffman, while reconnoitering the rail road in the Sinmak area, discovered an enemy train in the process of transferring its load to trucks. Disregarding intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Coffman pressed home a series of devastating attacks, scoring direct hits with bombs, napalm and 20 millimeter cannon fire. Three boxcars and six trucks were completely destroyed. Although unarmed, he remained in the area, and succeeded in vectoring other squadron aircraft to the scene, completing the destruction of the train with all its stores. Because of Lieutenant Coffman's superb airmanship, cool hand work, and utter disregard for his personal safety, the enemy suffered the total destruction of a locomotive, six boxcars and six trucks, plus their associated loads, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.