The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Michael J. Cahill, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia from 1 May 1972 to 2 May 1972. During this period, Lieutenant Cahill flew in support of a search and rescue operation attempting to recover American and allied personnel who were surrounded by a large force of advancing hostile troops. Despite the concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles directed at his slow-moving aircraft, Lieutenant Cahill continued a low level search pattern until forced to depart the area because of battle damage inflicted on his wingman. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cahill reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.