The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Terence Francis Courtney (AFSN: 0-323403859), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an AC-119K Aircraft Commander of the 18th Special Operations Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action at An Loc, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 May 1972. On that date, while supporting friendly forces under intense enemy fire, Captain Courtney’s aircraft was struck in the right wing by anti-aircraft artillery fire. Both right engines began to burn profusely, with flames trailing from the wing to the tail of the aircraft. Control of the aircraft had become so difficult that Captain Courtney had to use all his strength to maintain control. He wrapped his arms around the yoke to keep the aircraft’s nose from pitching down. When he could no longer control the aircraft, he ordered his crew to bail out. Immediately after the last man bailed out, the aircraft crashed and burst into flames. As a result of Captain Courtney’s conscious and deliberate decision to sacrifice his own life by remaining at the controls of his doomed aircraft, seven of his crew were recovered with only minor injuries. His courage, gallantry, intrepidity, and sense of responsibility toward his fellow men overrode any desire or instinctive reaction for his own self-preservation. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Courtney reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.