AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Ray N. Stewart for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as the Commanding Officer of Marine fighter/Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 11 April 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart launched as Section Leader of a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned the mission of providing close air support for the extraction of a reconnaissance team heavily engaged with a hostile force northwest of Dong Ha. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, he skillfully navigated his aircraft below the overcast to the designated area and was briefed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) on the tactical situation and informed that the enemy position was at the base of a 300-foot hill, 100 meters from the friendly position. Undaunted by a severely restricted area of maneuverability in the hazardous mountain terrain with clouds obscuring the hills surrounding the target area, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart boldly commenced his air strikes. With complete disregard for is own safety, he braved the intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire directed against his aircraft as he skillfully maneuvered his Phantom on repeated low-altitude bombing and strafing runs directly toward the hill dominating the enemy emplacement and delivered his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy upon the target. As a result of the devastating effectiveness of his attacks, the beleaguered Marines were able to be extracted. Lieutenant Colonel Stewart's courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.