The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Thomas A. Hutchings, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-47 Airborne Morse System Operator at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 March 1971. Sergeant Hutchings flew a long and arduous mission through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire and attack. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished this highly intricate and hazardous mission in support of free world forces combating aggression. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill, he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Hutchings reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.