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 Staff Sergeant Gary Lee Morgan, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Gunner in Southeast Asia on 21 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Morgan participated in a high priority bombing mission against a vital military target in a heavily defended area of North Vietnam. Despite the grave danger presented by the intense and sophisticated hostile defenses, Sergeant Morgan displayed extraordinary courage and a remarkable ability to perform under severe stress. He maintained constant vigilance to protect his aircraft against enemy fighters and other opposition; thereby enabling his crew to successfully strike the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Morgan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.