AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Space
MODEL:  Gemini IX-A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Eugene A. Cernan for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Astronaut with NASA from 3 to 6 June 1966 aboard Gemini IX-A. During this period, while serving as Pilot, Commander (then Lieutenant Commander) Cernan completed a space flight of seventy-two hours and twenty-one minutes for a total of forty seven orbits. The primary objectives of this mission were rendezvous, and docking with the ATDA, and the extravehicular activity of Commander Cernan. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Commander Cernan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.