The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Reed M. Phillips, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Aviator while attached to heavy Attack Squadron TWENTY-ONE in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 January 1969. Lieutenant Phillips was the Attack Pilot Commander of a single TRIM configured AP-2H, in an all weather night attack against a heavily defended supply storage facility for the Communist forces. Despite formidable enemy defenses, he calmly and professionally maneuvered his aircraft from a highly devastating attack at low altitudes, low speed and in the face of accurate enemy ground fire. His aerial proficiency accounted for three secondary explosions, the silencing of three automatic weapon sites and the destruction of a large supply storage structure. Lieutenant Phillips’ leadership, aggressiveness and professional skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.