AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OV-10A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert L. Howells Jr for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 19 April 1971. On that date, Captain Howells flew his lightly armed observation aircraft into an extremely high threat area to direct strikes against hostile supply lines. Despite intense antiaircraft fire and deteriorating visibility due to darkness, Captain Howells directed airstrikes resulting in ten large secondary explosions and eight trucks destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Howells reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.