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 First Lieutenant Richard D. O'Connor for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 334, Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the republic of Vietnam. On 11 September 1968, First Lieutenant O'Connor launched as Wingman in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a friendly unit heavily engaged with North Vietnamese forces near the Demilitarized Zone. Arriving over the designated area, First Lieutenant O'Connor was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the enemy positions were located in a tree line approximately thirty meters from the friendly unit and would require precise ordnance delivery. Despite rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and without the technical assistance of his naval flight officer due to a communications failure, First Lieutenant O'Connor skillfully coordinated the attack with his flight leader. Observing the position of the lead aircraft and the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne), he unhesitatingly launched his first run, delivering his ordnance upon the hostile emplacements. Ignoring a heavy volume of enemy fire directed at his Phantom, he fearlessly executed a second attack, releasing his remaining bombs with pinpoint accuracy upon the hostile fortifications. As a result of First Lieutenant O'Connor's superb airmanship and resolute determination, numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy which forced the remaining North Vietnamese soldiers to surrender. First Lieutenant O'Connor's courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest tradition of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.