AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John R. Menoski for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 27 December 1972. On that date, Captain Menoski spearheaded a deep penetration into the heartland of North Vietnam to protect B-52 strike flights tasked into the Hanoi area. Despite an extensive heavy barrage of surface-to-air missiles, MIG interceptors, and heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, the pinpoint navigation and critical formation needed to provide this protection was achieved enabling the follow-on strike force to accomplish its mission. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Menoski reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.