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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Roger S. Van Dyke for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in combat with the enemy on 26 May 1967 while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron Ninety-three, embarked in USS Hancock (CVA 19). Lieutenant (junior grade) Van Dyke was a Wingman in a flight of A4E aircraft on a major strike against Kep Airfield, North Vietnam. Approaching the target area, Lieutenant (junior grade) Van Dyke sighted three surface-to-air missiles and warned his flight in time for evasive maneuvers. Immediately thereafter, the flight was taken under fire by heavy 85mm anti-aircraft weapons. Lieutenant (junior grade) Van Dyke's aircraft was hit three times. He courageously ignored this lethal threat, rolled in and dropped all his bombs on his assigned target. During this bombing run, Lieutenant (junior grade) Van Dyke's aircraft had a complete hydraulic failure due to hostile damage. He used extreme physical pressure and outstanding airmanship to recover from his dive, flew over 20 miles across enemy territory, returned to his carrier and landed aboard without flaps, using only manual controls. Lieutenant (junior grade) Van Dyke's aggressiveness and courage in the face of heavy enemy opposition, his extraordinary skill and his superb airmanship in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.