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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Joseph N. Kanevsky for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Section Leader in Fighter Squadron Twenty-three, based on board the U.S.S. Essex, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 October 1952. When his Division Leader was shot down by enemy ground fire during a reconnaissance mission near the Anbyon Reservoir, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kanevsky immediately initiated emergency procedures and set up a low-altitude protective orbit over the downed Pilot. Bravely remaining at his position over the airman in the face of intense hostile fire, he carried out a series of determined attacks on enemy gun positions in the area to prevent hostile troops from capturing the downed Pilot. Although seriously wounded by enemy fire, which repeatedly hit his aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kanevsky refused to leave the scene until assured that help was on the way and ultimately affected a successful landing at a friendly airfield. By his marked courage, skilled airmanship and selfless efforts in behalf of another, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.