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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John Byrne Cooper, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-TWO, embarked in USS TICONDEROGA (CVA 14) during a successful attack against the heavily defended airfield at Vinh, North Vietnam. On 12 May 1968, Lieutenant Cooper thoroughly planned and expertly led a 15 plane coordinated strike. The target was heavily defended with numerous 37/57mm active anti-aircraft artillery fire and two high threat surface-to-air missile sites. As Lieutenant Cooper crossed the beach, two surface-to-air missiles were fired at his strike group. Displaying outstanding airmanship, he successfully led his element in maneuvering against the enemy missiles, while calling out warnings to the rest of the strike force. In spite of intense enemy fire, he courageously pressed on to the target and precisely placed his weapons on the western portion of the runway, denying its use to the enemy. Lieutenant Cooper’s heroic actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.