AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  EB-66

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John J. Vitton Jr. for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an EB-66 Electronic Warfare Officer over North Vietnam on 23 January 1968. On that date, Major Vitton Completed his assigned objective in accordance with the highest military standards. The tenacity and aggressiveness of this officer to complete the objective with professional airmanship and outstanding courage reflects only the highest degree of devotion to this mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Vitton 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 (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lieutenant Colonel John J. Vitton Jr. for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52D Electronic Warfare Officer near Hanoi, North Vietnam from 18 December 1972 to 28 December 1972. During this period, Colonel Vitton participated in one of the largest B-52 attacking forces directed against the most sophisticated defenses in Southeast Asia. His technical and professional competence and heroic actions against intensive surface-to-air missile attacks were critical factors in the successful completion of the mission. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Vitton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.