AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  B-52

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard W. Montfort Jr. for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander, 486th Bombardment Squadron (Provisional) (Heavy), 72nd Strategic Wing (Provisional) (Heavy), Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on 22 December 1972. On that date, Captain Montfort was flying on an extremely hazardous mission. All defensive tactics, including surface-to-air missiles, were employed by the enemy to thwart the mission. Captain Montfort' s superior performance in the application of flying techniques, reporting of enemy missiles fired upon their cell, and the successful completion of all required radio calls to other aircraft within the cell, aided in aircraft separation through a congested and hostile environment and the successful completion of the mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Montfort reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.