AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard L. Francis for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer deep within hostile territory on 6 June 1972. On that date, Captain Francis participated in an extremely hazardous combat air patrol mission to defend an important strike force in North Vietnam. Although extremely low on fuel, he elected to remain and support another flight actively engaged with hostile interceptors. Without regard for personal safety, he remained on station until the friendly fighters were safely out of hostile territory and then, as he was attempting to depart the area, narrowly escaped a lethal surface-to-air missile which struck his leader down. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Francis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.