The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Commander John Clement Mape (NSN: 0-512931), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Attack Squadron FIFTY-TWO (VA-52), embarked in U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CVA-14), on 12 November 1965. As flight leader of a flight of attack aircraft, Commander Mape provided close air support for surrounded elements of the 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army, during the Battle of Bau Bang, Republic of Vietnam. In the face of heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, he led his flight in repeated bombing and strafing attacks against the Viet Cong. The intensity of these attacks and the determination with which they were executed resulted in heavy casualties for the Viet Cong, which broke the impetus of their attack. Commander Mape’s courage throughout this action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.