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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard Lee Harris, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a naval flight officer of jet aircraft attached to Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO TWO FOUR embarked in USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43). On 16 April 1972, Captain Harris was bombardier/navigator of the Standard Arm aircraft during a major coordinated air wing strike against supply facilities located at Haiphong, North Vietnam. Although forced to direct his pilot through evasive maneuvers against two tracking surface-to-air missile, Captain Harris, from a position directly over Haiphong Harbor, was able to direct his pilot through three successive missile attacks while the main force was in the target area, resulting in direct hits on two enemy surface-to-air missile sites. Captain Harris' courageous leadership and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.