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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Junior Grade John R. Fuller for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Seventy-Five embarked in USS Saratoga (CV-60). On 19 December 1972, Lieutenant Junior Grade Fuller was the bombardier/navigator of a single aircraft which conducted a daring low-level night strike against an enemy surface-to-air missile site in Southeast Asia. After careful planning, he skillfully navigated his aircraft at extremely low altitudes through heavy enemy opposition, including two surface-to-air missiles and intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, and successfully delivered his ordnance precisely on target. As a result of this daring attack the entire target area was engulfed in flames and the enemy's air defense capabilities were effectively reduced. Lieutenant Junior Grade Fuller's courageous leadership and exceptional aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.