AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Francis Hugh Magee for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot flying in Attack Squadron One Hundred Forty six, embarked in USS Ranger (CVA-61), during a successful attack on a military barracks and storage area in North Vietnam on 1 June 1966. Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant) Magee responded brilliantly when his leader failed to become airborne and assumed the leadership of his flight in the air. Closely coordinating his flight with others striking in the same heavily-defended target area, he was able to arrive at his attack position at precisely the planned time, despite the necessity of a low-altitude approach and the vigorous defense from the target area. Ignoring heavy gunfire and a constant missile threat, he attacked, personally accounting for the destruction of at least five buildings and leaving the area aflame. Despite continuing enemy opposition, he then led his flight to safety. Lieutenant Commander Magee's courage and devotion to duty in the face of extremely hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Francis Hugh Magee for heroic and meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot of a jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron One hundred forty six, embarked in USS Constellation (CVA-64) on 17 August 1967. Lieutenant Commander Magee led a flight of two A4 aircraft against the Xom Trung Hoa highway bridge and its by-pass bridge located nine miles west-north-west of Vinh, North Vietnam. Hampered by low ceilings and opposed by 37/57 mm anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Magee aggressively attacked the bridges with two air-to-surface missiles. Forced to an extremely low altitude by overcast skies, he ignored the dense enemy gunfire and tracers surrounding his aircraft, assumed a vulnerable wings-level position and gallantly pressed the attack. On the first attack, Lieutenant Commander Magee, with calmness and exceptional skill, directed his missile into the center of the bridge, collapsing the span. The second attack was directed at the by-pass bridge and once again he scored a direct hit, destroying the bridge. Lieutenant Commander Magee achieved in one flight what three previous missions had failed to accomplish. His outstanding airmanship and extraordinary weapons skill resulted in a crippling blow to the enemy's supply effort. His exceptional courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Francis Hugh Magee for heroic and meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot of a jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron One Hundred forty six, embarked in USS Constellation (CVA-64) on 6 October 1967. Lieutenant Commander Magee was a Section Leader in a division of aircraft directed to strike the Chieng Chang highway bridge with air-to-ground missiles. The target is located twelve miles southwest of the Chinese border in the Northern Provinces of North Vietnam. Despite the close proximity of the border which restricted maneuvering airspace, Lieutenant Commander Magee skillfully maneuvered into the optimum attack position and released his missile. With consummate skill, he carefully guided the missile toward the target while sacrificing his lookout for enemy opposition. Seconds later the missile slammed into the middle of the bridge and exploded, completely destroying the center span. Lieutenant Commander Magee's exceptional courage and devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.