The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John R. Little (AFSN: FR-58903), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Fire Support Base RIPCORD, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 July 1970. On that date, Major Little flew in support of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 206th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, which was pinned down by hostile mortar fire. Despite intense and sustained anti-aircraft fire, low cloud ceilings, and mountainous terrain, he directed the employment of tactical aircraft in destroying the hostile mortar position and suppressing the hostile fire long enough to effect a safe extraction of the beleaguered company. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Little reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.