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 Captain Michael Joseph Faas, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 10 December 1971. On that date, Captain Faas flew as the wingman in a flight which was directing the rescue forces who were attempting to recover an American crew member downed near Mu Gia Pass in Laos. Despite the multitude of hostile defenses which were active throughout the mission and extremely adverse weather conditions Captain Faas remained on scene for the limit of his aircraft’s endurance and aided immeasurably in executing a plan which ultimately resulted in a successful rescue. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Faas reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.