AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  F-105

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas J. O'Connor for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronic Warfare Officer while over hostile territory on 11 March 1969. On that date, after all bombs had been placed on a heavily defended vital target, the Forward Air Controller became encircled by anti-aircraft fire while attempting to asses bomb damage. Without regard for his own personal safety, and with no effective ordnance remaining, Captain O'Connor returned to the target area, drawing the anti-aircraft fire toward himself thereby allowing the Forward Air Controller to escape. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain O'Connor reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.