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 Major John Edward Stavast (AFSN: FR-52944), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in an RF-4C Phantom II aircraft of the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 30 June 1967. On that date, Major Stavast braved extremely heavy and accurate hostile fire to obtain photographic coverage of a priority one target. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Stavast reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John Edward Stavast (AFSN: FR-52944), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 12 July 1967. On that date, while piloting an unarmed, unescorted RF-4C, Major Stavast penetrated one of the most formidable air defenses ever to challenge United States combat aircrews. Facing hostile gunfire and imminent attack from hostile fighter aircraft and surface-to-air missiles, Major Stavast demonstrated exemplary courage and superior skill in successfully completing his mission with outstanding results. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Stavast 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 with Combat “V” to Major John Edward Stavast (AFSN: FR-52944), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 29 August 1967. On that date, Major Stavast piloted his aircraft to successfully photograph a high priority target in spite of the high threat from heavily concentrated hostile defenses. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Stavast reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.