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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Roy E. Kaden for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander, RB-50, 38th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico on 17 September 1952. On that date, Major Kaden, while deployed to Thule Air Base, Denmark, at that time a classified forward operating location, flew an extended duration, Presidentially directed operational reconnaissance mission, which overflew parts of the Soviet Union. This 3,000 nautical mile, low altitude sortie was flown under extremely hazardous and severe weather conditions against specific hostile enemy installations within the Soviet Union. The intelligence collected provided threat data to combatant commanders and had a direct impact on United States’ national security strategy and defense planning process. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kaden reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.