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 Charles Francis Riess, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Pilot near Tchepone, Laos on 19 March 1971. On that date, Captain Riess attacked a large hostile troop concentration which was supported by anti-aircraft guns and was attacking friendly forces. His assistance to the Aircraft Commander resulted in extremely accurate ordnance deliveries which destroyed three hostile anti-aircraft gun sites and one mortar position. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Riess reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles Francis Riess, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Pilot near Kontum, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 August 1971. On that date, Captain Riess led a flight of fighter aircraft in attacking an extremely dangerous hostile storage area. In spite of unfavorable weather and heavy ground fire, his expert assistance to the aircraft commander resulted in three military structures damaged, five bunkers and seven structures destroyed, and one hostile casualty. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Riess reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.