The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Jerry Wendell Marvel (MCSN: 0-70296), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy. On the night of 24 February 1968, Major Marvel launched as Aircraft Commander aboard an A-6 intruder aircraft assigned a radar bombing mission against the heavily defended Hoi Lac airfield, located twenty miles west of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Electing to launch despite a malfunctioning navigational computer, he proceeded along an inland route toward the enemy airfield. Effectively utilizing his aircraft’s terrain avoidance radar, he fearlessly maneuvered at high speed and low altitude toward the target area, although it was known to be protected by numerous medium and heavy caliber anti-aircraft weapons systems and formidable surface-to-air missiles. When the enemy fired a missile at the Intruder, Major Marvel immediately initiated evasive procedures and continued his planned attack. Approaching the target, he realized that his malfunctioning electronic equipment precluded the employment of his planned attack. Unhesitatingly aligning his aircraft’s flight path with the airfield’s main runway, he manually released his ordnance on the target. As Major Marvel proceeded along his escape route, a second enemy missile was launched, striking his aircraft and forcing it to the ground. His superb airmanship and resolute determination were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Major Marvel’s courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.