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 Lieutenant Colonel Francis J. Byrne, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 21 June 1972. On that date, Colonel Byrne located and skillfully directed strike aircraft against a heavily camouflaged petroleum storage area near a highly defended route structure deep in hostile territory. His professional efforts resulted in the destruction of one loaded fuel truck and a large supply of petroleum. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Byrne reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.