The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James F. Egbert, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1H pilot near Ben Het, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 June 1969. On that date, Major Egbert led a flight of A-1H Skyraiders scrambled from alert to provide close air support for a surrounded reconnaissance patrol engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat with a numerically superior hostile force. Selflessly disregarding the extreme personal hazards, Major Egbert flew twenty tree-top level attacks, through a withering hail of anti-aircraft fire, devastating the hostile forces so badly that the friendly forces were not only saved from annihilation but could continue their ground sweep and prevent attacks on the beleaguered Ben Het Camp from that sector. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Egbert reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.