The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Larry Harold Ferguson, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMA-214), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 December 1966, as Wingman in a section of A-4C Skyhawks, Captain Ferguson launched from Chu Lai Airfield on an emergency night mission to support the extraction of a Marine reconnaissance team under heavy attack by a numerically superior Viet Cong force near Duc Pho. Because of the urgency of the mission, low cloud cover and darkness, a section take-off was ordered to avoid losing time in rendezvousing under the overcast. After arriving in the objective area, he fearlessly followed his flight leader while making several low altitude simulated strafing runs in order to draw the enemy’s fire away from the encircled Marines. When the helicopters arrived, he skillfully positioned his aircraft for an immediate strike after the extraction. Using aircraft flares for illumination, Captain Ferguson, undaunted by the intense enemy fire, unhesitatingly followed his flight leader over the target, delivering his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy. As a result of his extraordinary courage and resolute determination, he was instrumental in inflicting severe losses on the enemy and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of the mission. Captain Ferguson’s exceptional aeronautical ability, daring and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.