AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  B-26

Citation:  1.) The President, Airman First Class Richard N. Brace Jr, United States Air Force, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguishing himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as gunner on a B-26 attack bomber with the 3d Bombardment Wing, Light, Fifth Air Force, on the night of 16 July 1953. Airman Brace displayed outstanding airmanship and crew coordination while flying armed reconnaissance over the enemy's main supply routes between Sunchon and Pyongyang, Korea. Shortly after arrival in the target area, a fire was observed in the air compressor located in the bomb bay of the aircraft, the fire was rapidly spreading throughout the rear bomb bay and gunner's compartment, and presented an immediate serious threat to the safety of the aircraft and crew. Airman Brace, without hesitation or regard for his personal safety proceeded to attack the fire in a most efficient manner. After calmly describing the situation to the pilot, he grasped a fire extinguisher, entered the bomb bay, which was fully loaded with high explosives, and extinguished the fire thereby permitting completion of the mission which resulted in the destruction of two enemy vehicles. By his outstanding courage and devotion to duty, Airman Brace has brought great credit upon himself, his organization and the United States Air Force.