AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) John J. Swigart, Jr. for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft while attached to Attack Squadron Seventy-Five embarked in USS SARATOGA (CV-60). On 31 July 1972, Lieutenant (junior grade) Swigart was the bombardier/navigator in the lead aircraft in the second element of a forty-plane coordinated air wing strike against a heavily defended major enemy shipyard facility in Southeast Asia. Despite heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire, he expertly navigated his force to a precise roll-in point for a three-pronged attack on the pinpoint targets that resulted in all ordnance impacting as planned. Post-strike photography revealed numerous shops, ship repair facilities and water-borne logistics craft were destroyed. Lieutenant (junior grade) Swigart's courageous leadership and exceptional aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.