AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Richard G. Picard for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aerial Gunner over Southeast Asia on 25 April 1973. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage and destruction of 7 hostile supply routes vehicles and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions. Despite violent aircraft maneuvers to avoid intense barrages of accurate anti-aircraft fire, he demonstrated resourcefulness and determination by maintaining ready firepower and made these extraordinary mission results possible. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Picard reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.