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 Captain John Wesley Anderson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander with the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, over North Vietnam on 18 November 1972. On that date, Captain Anderson, despite adverse weather conditions and extreme fatigue induced by the extraordinary length of time orbiting over heavily defended enemy territory, was able to effectively protect the search and rescue forces from enemy airborne attack. His unselfish efforts were highly instrumental in the successful recovery of two downed aircrew members. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Anderson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.