The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Adrian D. Youngblood (AFSN: FV-3020856), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Crew Commander in the Demilitarized Zone of North Vietnam on 16 May 1967. On that date, Major Youngblood entered an intensely hostile area and braved automatic weapons fire in attempting to rescue two downed American pilots. Although forced to withdraw after hostile fire disabled one of the aircraft’s engines, Major Youngblood’s efforts paved the way for a later successful rescue operation by another helicopter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Youngblood reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Adrian D. Youngblood (AFSN: FV-3020856), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander in the Black River Valley of North Vietnam on 14 October 1966. On that date, Major Youngblood was flying a rescue mission under extremely hazardous conditions, facing intensive and accurate ground fire deep in hostile territory. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, great determination and superior airmanship, Major Youngblood successfully rescued a downed American airman while the hostiles rushed trucks loaded with troops and guns into the area. By courageous and aggressive action against intense gun fire, Major Youngblood was able to extract the American airman before the hostiles could capture him. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Youngblood reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.