AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  HC-130P

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David J. Preston for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HC-130P Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 30 March 1972. On that date, Captain Preston coordinated and directed the efforts of twenty-one rescue aircraft and thirty two strike aircraft in the immediate vicinity of fifteen downed airmen. His superior resourcefulness and positive command and control of the resources engaged in this difficult combat aircrew recovery effort led to the successful rescue of the fifteen airman from certain capture and possible death at the hands of hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Preston reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.