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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Joel Bernard Fischer, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a bombardier/navigator of jet aircraft attached to Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO TWO FOUR embarked in USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43). On 9 May 1972, First Lieutenant FISCHER took part in the extremely successful mining of Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam. The closing of the enemy’s major harbor and main source of supplies weas a critical blow and its execution was exceptionally precise and effective. He expertly utilized his navigation radar at low altitude and high speed to guide his pilot to a precise weapons release point while encountering both enemy anti-aircraft fire and continuous indication of surface-to-air missile firings. First Lieutenant FISCHER’s exceptional airmanship and single-minded devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.