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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas W. Murphy for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F-4D Weapon Systems Officer in Southeast Asia on 5 April 1972. On that date, despite a 400 foot overcast and increasing smoke and haze, Captain Murphy, while flying in support of a Search and Rescue effort, willingly exposed himself to the threat of radar-guided, anti-aircraft artillery fire, surface-to-air missiles, and murderous barrage of small arms fire to deliver his special area denial munitions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Murphy continued his precision flying to successfully deliver his ordnance on the advancing hostile forces surrounding the downed airman, thereby preventing his imminent overrun and capture. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Murphy reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.