AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Francis L. Brown for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Flight Engineer over Laos on 14 February 1973. On that date, while on an armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the destruction of five hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of 16 secondary fires and explosions. In the face of over 100 rounds of accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Brown reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.