Richard G. Crouch
AWARDED DFC:
1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT: Korea
MODEL: F4U-4
Citation: 1,) The President of the United States, the Commander SEVENTH Fleet takes pleasure in awarding the Distinguished FLYING GROSS (first award) to Lieutenant Richard G. Crouch, United States Naval Reserve for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of an F4U-4 in Fighter Squadron Seven Hundred Ninety One based aboard the U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21) during action against enemy forces in North Korea. On 24 June 1951, while flying in close support of our front line troops ten miles west of Chorwan, Lieutenant Richard G. Crouch led a flight of two fighter planes which was diverted to an enemy bivouac area nearby where trucks and supplies were located. With courageous efficiency and utter disregard for his own personal safety, he made repeated low level strafing runs on the area against heavy ground fire and succeeded in destroying six trucks and damaging four others with enemy casualties confirmed. Upon completion of this assignment, the flight was directed to a nearby hill containing enemy troops. With continued aggressiveness, the hill was strafed and bombed until all ordnance was expended. He was credited with the destruction of 30 enemy troops by forward ground controllers. He further silenced two automatic weapons by skillful bombing and strafing techniques. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.