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 Major Joe B. Green (AFSN: 0-3038821), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Crew Commander in Southeast Asia on 27 February 1968. On that date, Major Green penetrated an extremely hostile area to attempt the rescue of a downed crewmember. After breaking off one approach because of hostile activity, Major Green located the survivor on a steep cliff and hovered for twenty-five minutes until the survivor reached a suitable pick up area and was successfully recovered. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Green reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Joe B. Green (AFSN: 0-3038821), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH3E Rescue Crew Commander in North Vietnam on 18 March 1968. On that date, Major Green penetrated deep into hostile territory in a search and rescue effort for a downed United States pilot. After a prolonged low-level search of the hostile area, Major Green located the survivor and affected his successful rescue. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Green reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Joe B. Green (AFSN: 0-3038821), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 2 July 1968. On that date, Major Green penetrated a heavily defended area of North Vietnam to provide cover for the rescue of an injured, downed pilot. Despite accurately directed anti-aircraft fire and flight control malfunctions, he remained over the distress site until the rescue helicopter was driven off. Major Green directed the crippled aircraft out of the hostile area just as another aircraft was shot down. He proceeded directly to the crash site, prepared for an immediate rescue attempt, although he was without escort over active anti-aircraft positions. However, there were no survivors of the crash. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Green reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.