The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander John W. Young, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 21 February to 3 April 1962. As Pilot of a Navy all-weather fighter aircraft, the F4H-1 Phantom II, Lieutenant Commander Young succeeded in establishing new world class records for time to climb to 3,000 meters and 25,000 meters, attaining a time of 34.523 seconds from a standing start to 3,000 meters altitude, and 227.6 seconds from a standing start to 25,000 meters altitude. Through his exceptional achievement, he clearly demonstrated the inherent capabilities and maximum performance of a most important aircraft of the U.S. Navy. In addition, he was instrumental in focusing world attention on the continued significant development of the science of aviation in the United States.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander John W. Young, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Astronaut with NASA from 18 to 21 July 1966 aboard GEMINI X. As Command Pilot, he was in flight for 70 hours and 47 minutes for a total of 46 orbits.