The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Donald B. Beaton, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Communications Technician/Team Chief over Southeast Asia from 18 December 1972 to 28 December 1972. During this period, Sergeant Beaton insured continuous operation of vital radio relay communications for United States Naval and Air Force units conducting strikes in North and South Vietnam and minimized United States air losses due to enemy fighter reaction or surface-to-air missile launches. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Beaton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.