The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael Charles Short (AFSN: FR-80651), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot of the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy at Song Be City, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 February 1968. On that date, Captain Short flew in support of friendly ground forces that were under heavy hostile attack. His courage in pressing the attack while under intense hostile ground fire, rendered a large portion of first line hostile forces ineffective. Because of this courageous action many friendly lives were saved. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Short reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.