The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Technical Sergeant James Raymond Cook (AFSN: 14896417), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Gunner in Southeast Asia on 26 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Cook participated in high priority bombing missions against vital military targets in heavily defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the intensity of the hostile defensive reaction and the hazard of surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Sergeant Cook displayed extraordinary courage and a remarkable ability to perform under severe stress. He showed a willingness to place the mission requirements above his personal safety as he maintained a constant watch for enemy fighter attack and other threats, thus enabling his crew to deliver their ordnance on the designated targets. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Cook reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.