The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major John Leonard Carroll (AFSN: 0-63770), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Control pilot serving with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action after being shot down in Xiangkhoang Province, Laos, on 7 November 1972. On that date, Major Carroll personified the American Fighting Man’s Code of Conduct. When faced with the despair of surrender or the prospect of survival, and confronted with overwhelming odds, Major Carroll elected to fight. Armed only with a rifle, revolver, and hand grenades, Major Carroll held off two enemy companies in an attempt to permit aircraft to effect his rescue. During the fire fight with the approaching enemy, Major Carroll was wounded in the leg by enemy gunfire. Despite being seriously wounded, he pressed the fight. Major Carroll fought with bravery, tenacity, and courage until the moment of his death. He took every action to maximize his own rescue. Major Carroll refused to surrender as long as he had the means to resist. His courage and selfless devotion to duty are an inspiration to all American fighting men. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Major Carroll reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.