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 John M. Mecham for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 23 February 1967. On that date, Major Mecham participated in flying an unarmed helicopter on a highly classified and extremely hazardous mission deep into North Vietnam. Although one of the two helicopters involved in the operation received heavy battle damage, the mission was essentially completed. Through the personal courage of the crew members involved, a precedent was established as to the feasibility of future operations of this nature. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Mecham reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.