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 First Lieutenant Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 23 February 1967. On that date, while engaged in an extremely hazardous strike mission, Lieutenant Mechenbier successfully attacked moving targets along a heavily defended route. In spite of intense anti-aircraft artillery fire directed at his flight, he completed his mission in a highly successful manner. On return to base, he experienced radio failure and made a radio out landing on the wing of the lead aircraft when the home base was below landing minimums. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mechenbier 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Edward John Mechenbier (AFSN: FR-78807), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 19 January 1967. On that date, while assigned to the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, Lieutenant Mechenbier flew an extremely hazardous F-101 reconnaissance escort mission. Although his flight was repeatedly exposed to hostile aircraft, intense ground fire, and numerous surface-to-air missiles, he completed his mission in a highly successful manner. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mechenbier reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.