The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Frederick P. Anthony (MCSN: 0-60911), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMA-121), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, on 6 March 1967, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Wingman in a flight of two A-4E aircraft, Major Anthony was diverted from a helicopter escort mission to provide fixed wing support to an Army of the Republic of Vietnam patrol nearly surrounded by Viet Cong and under fire near Quang Ngai. Armed with four 2.75 rocket pods and 100 rounds of 20-mm. ammunition in each aircraft, the flight proceeded to the area and ascended through the 500 foot overcast and light rain and quickly established radio contact with the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne). Informed that the Vietnamese Army forces were located in a small valley surrounded by hills controlled by the enemy and that weather over the zone was marginal with 1,800 foot overcast and limited visibility, the flight leader led the aircraft to the south, found a small opening in the clouds and descended to 1,000 feet. Despite rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, hazardous mountain tops concealed by the low clouds, the perilous position of the Vietnamese Army force and the heavy ordnance load carried by the flight, the section leader decided to commence a rocket attack. The only approach was a low altitude heading toward the mountains which demanded an abrupt break away after ordnance release to avoid crashing into the mountain or flying by instruments in the clouds to clear the path of the rockets. After his section leader completed his run, Major Anthony skillfully adjusted his run to compensate for the extremely low angle of fire and release altitude and accurately delivered his ordnance despite increased enemy fire and the danger of fragmentation from his own rockets. Executing a hard turn to avoid the surrounding hills, he then descended again and fired his remaining rockets into the enemy positions. On a third pass over the target area, he fired his 20-mm. cannon with precision, skillfully covering the target area. Although flying conditions were extremely hazardous and enemy fire was received on each run, the flight daringly delivered ordnance only 200 meters from the friendly positions, completely destroying the target and killing forty Viet Cong. Throughout the dangerous mission, his superior airmanship and bold initiative were instrumental in the success of the mission. Major Anthony’s exceptional aeronautical skill, complete disregard for his own safety and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.