AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-6

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Martin D. Ellison, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron One Hundred Forty-Five embarked in USS RANGER (CVA-61). On 18 December 1972, Lieutenant Ellison participated in a coordinated night strike against a deadly surface-to-air missile site near Haiphong in North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Ellison, on his first night low level combat mission, boldly penetrated a dark overcast and proceeded at a perilously low altitude and high airspeed. Encountering a hail of gunfire as the aircraft approached the coast, he skillfully evaded the flak while bravely maintaining the preplanned route. Approaching the target, Lieutenant Ellison calmly climbed to the minimum release altitude and delivered his ordnance on target. Immediately after release he performed a dangerous and demanding breakaway as he egressed the area. Lieutenant Ellison’s exceptional aerial skill, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.