The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Lynn Richard Beens, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52G Navigator with the 325th Bombardment Squadron, in action against the enemy near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 20 December 1972. On that date, Captain Beens flew in the lead aircraft of a strike force directed to attack a vital military target defended by a most prolific air defense system. Captain Beens displayed superb airmanship and courage while accomplishing the critical precise navigation and timing control required to insure the outstanding results obtained, even though his aircraft was lost as the result of hostile fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Beens reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.