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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Earl C. Ray for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Radio Operator aboard an EC-130P aircraft over hostile territory in Southeast Asia on 31 December 1971. On that date, Sergeant Ray played a vital role in the successful recovery of seven downed aircrew members through his skill in maintaining communications with the aircraft and ground stations concerned, and his unerring ability to keep abreast of the complicated and rapidly changing situation. His action in this mission aided immeasurably in saving the seven aircrew members from certain capture and possible death at the hands of the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ray reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.