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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas R. McGrain for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 1 August 1973. On that date, Captain McGrain flew his lightly armed reconnaissance aircraft in support of friendly troops south of the besieged city of Phnom Penh. Despite the bad weather and threat of antiaircraft artillery, Captain McGrain located the hostile positions and directed eleven flights of strike aircraft against the enemy. Several enemy positions and structures were destroyed resulting in numerous secondary explosions and fires. The enemy assault was routed, and the friendly troops were able to expand their positions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain McGrain reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.