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 Duane Paul Vavroch, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Navigator near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 26 December 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Vavroch participated in a high-priority bombing mission against a vital military target in heavily-defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the extreme hazards presented by surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Lieutenant Vavroch displayed an extraordinary and courageous ability to perform under severe stress and a willingness to place the mission above his personal safety in order to successfully release his ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Vavroch reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.