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 Richard L. Rynearson, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as AC-130U Copilot, Joint Special Operations Air Detachment West, Special Operations Air Detachment West, Special Operations Command Central at a classified location on 20 March 2003. On that date, Captain Rynearson and his crew departed a forward operating base after an entire day of theater ballistic missile attacks from the Iraqi regime. Despite minimal crew rest from spending the day in chemical warfare ensemble, the crew departed on one of the top seven Presidential key objectives. Captain Rynearson and crew departed and were notified in the air that the Iraqi troops manning the objectives were extremely more significant than planned. He relayed vital threat information to delay the infiltrating helicopters to allow the crew time to eliminate the threats. On numerous occasions, Captain Rynearson, while flying on night vision goggles, scanning the right side of the aircraft and simultaneously working radios was able to defend the aircraft from numerous anti-aircraft artillery attacks. In the face of constant fire from enemy anti-aircraft artillery, Captain Rynearson and his crew continued overhead the outnumbered special operations ground teams for nine hours. The actions of Captain Rynearson contributed directly to the successful capture of the Al Faw petroleum pipeline intact, paved the way for the American-led ground war and ultimately saved thousands of coalition lives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Rynearson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.