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 George Francis Latella, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Weapon Systems Officer of the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 16 August 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Latella participated in a strike flight on an assigned mission deep within hostile territory. Braving many surface-to-air missiles fired at his flight and countless rounds of anti-aircraft artillery fire over the target area, Lieutenant Latella was successful in directing his ordnance on the objective, thereby interdicting a valuable supply line that was heavily used by the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Latella reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.