AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  RF-4C, F-4C,D,E, OA-37

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John L Stiles for heroism while participating in aerial £light at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on 14 October 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Stiles, accompanied by two fighter escorts, directed his unarmed reconnaissance aircraft on a high priority, Top Secret reconnaissance ·mission over North Vietnam. In spite of intense, accurate antiaircraft fire and extremely poor weather conditions, which obscured the surrounding rugged terrain, Lieutenant Stiles continued on his pre-planned flight path and photographed his assigned objectives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Stiles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to First Lieutenant John L Stiles for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Weapons System Operator in the central portion of Laos on 17 May 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Stiles planned and flew a high priority visual reconnaissance mission over one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Although encountering intense and accurate anti­aircraft fire, Lieutenant Stiles successfully photographed his assigned target and returned with evidence of previously undiscovered defensive positions, storage areas, and logistical movements which enabled intelligence personnel to accurately assess hostile activities. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Stiles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to First Lieutenant John L Stiles for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against an opposing armed force near Qui Hau, North Vietnam on 7 April 197Z. On that date, Lieutenant Stiles planned and flew a high priority reconnaissance mission in support of United States Air Force interdiction efforts. Despite encountering hundreds of rounds of antiaircraft artillery and surface-to-air missile, Lieutenant Stiles continued his photographic runs and returned with vital photographic intelligence necessary for assessment of hostile capabilities and intentions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Stiles reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.