AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UC-123

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Joe C. Boyer for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander of an unarmed UC-123 defoliation aircraft near Ca Mau, Republic of Vietnam on 5 July 1968. On that date, Major Boyer flew a low-level defoliation mission over the U Minh forest and, throughout the entire target run, his aircraft received intense and accurate hostile automatic weapons fire. Yet, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Boyer continued the mission, flew precise formation and accurately placed his defoliant on the briefed target area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Boyer 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 to Major Joe C. Boyer for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 Pilot in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 September 1968. On that date, Major Boyer was on a low level defoliation mission against a heavily defended hostile infiltration route, Major Boyer's formation was struck by intense ground fire. When the lead aircraft lost communications with the flight, Major Boyer unhesitatingly assumed command of the mission from his deputy lead position and directed it precisely through the briefed target area, thereby enabling the mission to be a complete success. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Boyer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.