AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  O-2, B-52

Citation:  The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Stephen D. Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia on 28 July 1971. On that date, Captain Cross flew his light unarmed reconnaissance aircraft into a hostile air environment in support to friendly troops under attack by numerically superior hostile forces. Despite antiaircraft ground fire and darkness, Captain Cross directed airstrikes that resulted in two medium secondary explosions, the retreat of the hostile forces, and the saving of many friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cross reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Stephen D. Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Commander, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, on 27 December 1972. On that date, Captain Cross was flying on a high priority mission against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite the hazards presented by numerous surface-to-air missiles, Captain Cross released his ordnance precisely on target and safely egressed from the high threat area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cross reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Stephen D. Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Commander at U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, from 18 December to 23 December 1972. During that period, Captain Cross flew four night bombing missions against heavily defended, vital military targets in North Vietnam. Despite hostile fighter interceptors, numerous surface-to-air missiles, and high caliber antiaircraft artillery, Captain Cross, with complete disregard for his personal safety, penetrated these defenses and released his ordnance precisely on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cross reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Third Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Stephen D. Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 7 December 1972. On that date, while approaching a heavily defended target in North Vietnam, Captain Cross was attacked by numerous enemy surface to air missiles. With complete disregard for the massive and accurate hostile defensive reaction, and despite a critical fuel system malfunction, Captain Cross successfully expended his ordnance on the assigned target. The professional competence aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Cross reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.