The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Jack Walters, Jr. (NSN: 0-666504), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 May 1966 as a naval flight officer flying in jet aircraft, serving with Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THIRTEEN (VA(R)-13), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during a combat reconnaissance mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Walters flew a combat reconnaissance mission to obtain immediate bomb assessment of the Hanoi Thermal Power Plant and the Van Dien Truck Depot in the most heavily defended area of North Vietnam. He courageously entered the objective area despite the severe defensive environment. Over the vital power plant, Lieutenant Commander Walter’s aircraft was subjected to anti-aircraft fire, surface-to-air missiles firings, and enemy fighter aircraft. His gallant actions and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Jack Walters, Jr. (NSN: 0-666504), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 14 December 1966, as a reconnaissance attack navigator, serving with Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THIRTEEN (VA(R)-13), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), during aerial combat operations in Southeast Asia. Lieutenant Commander Walters flew a combat mission to obtain photographic reconnaissance coverage of the Phu Ly Highway and Railroad Bridges. As a result of his precise planning, ingenuity, and initiative, the flight was executed simultaneously with the Van Dien Truck Depot strike, so that both groups could utilize the same support aircraft and function as a diversionary tactic during the Van Dien attack. In the face of unfavorable weather conditions and intense enemy opposition Lieutenant Commander Walters successfully supplied his pilot with accurate navigation inputs to maintain track toward the objective area. He obtained outstanding aerial photography of the Phu Ly Highway and Railroad Bridges for the purpose of bomb damage assessment and, additionally, photographed eighteen bonus targets which were of inestimable value to the planners of future strikes. By his superb performance, courage under fire, and loyal dedication, Lieutenant Commander Walters upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.