The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Philip J. Conran, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander of a CH-3E Helicopter in Southeast Asia on 5 May 1969. On that date, Captain Conran successfully accomplished a clandestine infiltration of a Forward Reconnaissance Team deep into hostile territory in spite of poor weather conditions, numerous hostile forces in the area, and hostile ground fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Conran reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.