The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Patrick Paul Daley, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the naval flight officer of an F4B aircraft while serving with Fighter Squadron NINETY SIX, embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)65). On 4 February 1967, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Daley, flying in the lead aircraft in a division of three F4B’s was instrumental in an extremely successful flak suppression mission against the heavily defended and strategically important Thanh Hoa railroad yard adjacent to Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam. By his detailed pre-strike planning, skillful navigation, and exceptional weapons direction during the attack while under continuous intense enemy fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Daley was instrumental in insuring the complete destruction of the most threatening anti-aircraft artillery and thereby contributed to the most successful attack on the primary target, and to the safe retirement of the entire strike force from the target area. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Daley’s exceptional skill, courage and heroism in the face of extreme personal danger were keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.