AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Pilot of jet aircraft while attached to Attack Squadron One Hundred Fifty Five, embarked in USS Coral Sea (CVA 43). On 24 October 1967, Lieutenant Holmes was the leader of a section of A4E aircraft on a coordinated Carrier Air Wing Fifteen strike against a major lucrative target complex of 35 to 40 railroad cars on sidings and track areas east of the city of Hai Duong, North Vietnam. During the attack, Lieutenant Holmes skillfully maneuvered his element to the bombing position, but shifted his aim point when he discovered several partially hidden and camouflaged railroad cars on an adjacent track. Calmly assessing the situation while heavy flak and missiles threatened his element, he adjusted his bombing run and delivered a devastatingly accurate attack on the new target, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of the mission. Lieutenant Holmes' outstanding airmanship, extreme flexibility and alertness were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.