The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Ronald Carl Andreas (MCSN: 0-72590), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMFA-323), Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 February 1967, Major Andreas launched as Flight Leader of a section of two F-4B Phantom aircraft on a mission to support the emergency extraction of a Marine reconnaissance team which was heavily engaged with a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Upon arriving over the target area, he was required to maneuver his aircraft through scattered rain showers and an extremely low cloud cover to identify the enemy positions. After completing several identification runs, he pinpointed the designated targets and realized that extreme accuracy would be required for the delivery of his ordnance, due to the proximity of enemy and friendly positions and the fragmentation pattern of his bombs. Displaying exceptional airmanship and disregarding his own safety, Major Andreas unhesitatingly commenced his first bombing run and, skillfully maneuvering his aircraft through intense enemy fire, delivered his ordnance on the enemy emplacements. Despite the rugged mountain terrain and low cloud cover, he made six low-altitude bombing runs and delivered his ordnance with unerring accuracy, often within thirty meters of friendly troops. Informed that the transport helicopters were entering the zone, he conducted several simulated bombing runs, which forced the enemy to seek cover, and positioned his aircraft so that he could continue his attack as the last helicopter departed the landing zone. Observing the last aircraft’s departure, he aggressively continued his bombing runs until he had expended all of his ordnance. In large measure due to his bold initiative and professional skill, his flight accounted for at least six Viet Cong confirmed killed, sixty enemy probable killed and was instrumental in the safe evacuation of the reconnaissance team. Major Andreas’ courage, exceptional aeronautical skill and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.