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 John N. Martinson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an EB-66 Navigator over North Vietnam on 18 December 1972. On that date, while in support of a large bomber strike force in the Hanoi area, his aircraft came under direct attack by numerous surface-to-air missile sites. In the ensuing evasive maneuvers, despite the clear and immediate threat posed by the missiles, Lieutenant Martinson continually directed his aircraft away from the immediate threat and into an optimum position to continue electronic countermeasures and warning support for the strike aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Martinson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.