The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John David Ingraham (MCSN: 0-66413), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMA-121), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 June 1968, Major Ingraham launched as Wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned the mission of destroying enemy artillery emplacements west of Khe Sanh which were heavily defended by numerous anti-aircraft and automatic weapons positions. Despite the heavy volume of hostile fire encountered by the flight leader during his bombing run, Major Ingraham ignored the intense ground fire as he commenced his attack. Severely wounded by .50 caliber ground fire that disabled his right arm and leg, he boldly resolved to continue his attack and released his ordnance on target. Bleeding profusely and suffering from shock as he recovered from his bombing run, he was faced with the decision of ejecting over the Khe Sanh Combat Base or risking an attempt to reach the nearest suitable airfield before he lost consciousness. Electing to attempt the flight to the DaNang Air base, 100 miles away, he displayed exceptional will power and aeronautical skill as he used only his left arm and leg to manipulate the controls. After utilizing mobile arresting gear to land at the air base, and suffering intense pain and weakened from the loss of blood, he lost consciousness after his removal from the aircraft and was immediately taken to the base hospital for treatment of his wounds. Major Ingraham’s courage, superior airmanship and selfless devotion to duty in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.