The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade David Gaynor Ahern (NSN: 0-677809), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer attached to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron SIX (VA-6), in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), during combat operations conducted against enemy forces in North Vietnam on 15 August 1966. Flying in an unarmed reconnaissance aircraft in actual combat, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ahern obtained photographic coverage of the Quang Nap petroleum site and a new airfield construction site located close to the heavily defended city of Hanoi. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and a barrage of seven surface-to-air missiles encountered on the outskirts of Hanoi, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ahern, with cool determination and professionalism rarely shown by a person while under such stress, heroically and skillfully obtained photographic intelligence which was of great value to the planners of future strikes against North Vietnam. He proceeded well beyond the point impelled by duty and accomplished more than reasonably expected while operating under the most adverse circumstances. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ahern’s devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.