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 Major Robert A. Rayford, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E co-pilot in Southeast Asia on 6 January 1967. On that date, Major Rayford’s aircraft and crew were directly responsible for saving a vital friendly military installation from certain capture by hostile forces. Although his aircraft was hit repeatedly by automatic weapons fire, Major Rayford calmly and with unwavering courage, continued to assist in making devastating low level strafing and bombing attacks until the hostile forces were forced to disengage and retreat. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Rayford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.