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 Major Eugene J. Rafter for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 16 March 1969. On that date, Major Rafter directed tactical air power in support of a friendly unit that was in contact with a well-armed and numerically superior hostile force. His efforts were successful and because of his actions hostile anti-aircraft emplacements were destroyed. He continued to brave small arms fire, directing air power onto the hostiles until they broke contact and withdrew leaving many casualties behind. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Rafter reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.