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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Stanley J. Trachta, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 334, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 1 January 1969, Captain Trachta launched as Wingman in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to attack a hostile truck part and supply depot located in rugged mountain terrain and defended by several antiaircraft artillery sites. Skillfully piloting his aircraft over the hazardous terrain, he arrived at the designated area and was briefed by the tactical air controller (airborne) concerning the target. Undaunted by the total darkness, adverse weather conditions, and the weak intensity of the red flares which marked the target area, Captain Trachta, ignoring the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his Phantom, fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft on two bombing runs against the enemy installation and released his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy on the target. As a result of the devastating air strikes, approximately thirty small secondary explosions, one large sustained fire, and five extremely large explosions occurred. Captain Trachta's courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.