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 Thomas James Sterling (AFSN: FR-45475/AO-2249395), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Electronic Warfare Officer near Thai Ngyen, North Vietnam, on 18 April 1967. On that date, Major Sterling, disregarding his own personal safety, calmly and effectively manipulated his electronic detection gear to assist in the successful suppression of the surface-to-air missile site activity in the target area of the fighter-bomber force. He also assisted in the destruction of one surface-to-air missile installation. In spite of heavy ground fire, surface-to-air missile threats and hostile aircraft, Major Sterling stayed in the area and aggressively engaged the hostile, threatening surface-to-air missile sites upon every encounter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Sterling reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.