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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Clarence D. Hughes. Major Hughes distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a tactical jet bomber near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam on 12 November 1966. On that date, Major Hughes led a flight of two bombers on a combat mission against a well-fortified Viet Cong village along the coast near vital north-south supply routes. By rapidly positioning himself for the attack, Major Hughes was able to catch the hostile forces completely by surprise with his initial bomb pass. Despite intense ground fire from the fortified positions, Major Hughes made repeated, accurate bombing and strafing attacks against the target complex, leaving it in flames. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hughes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.