The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Harrison B. Southworth, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Attack Squadron SEVENTY-TWO (VA-72), embarked in U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62), on 4 July 1965. As strike leader in an air wing strike on the Nam Dinh oil storage area in North Vietnam, Commander Southworth, in the face of heavy enemy gunfire from the surrounding area, directed and led eleven aircraft in the bombing attack, which resulted in 75 per cent damage to the oil storage area. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he contributed directly to the success of the entire mission. His heroic conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.