The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major Aquilla Friend Britt (AFSN: 0-3065105), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 13 August 1967. On that date, Major Britt was a member of the lead flight in a force of twenty Thunderchiefs assigned to make the first strike against a strategic rail yard in the Chinese border buffer zone. The outstanding manner in which the strike was carried out and the exceptional results obtained were greatly enhanced by his courage and exemplary airmanship. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Britt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.




