The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Terry L. Snyder, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aerial Gunner in Laos on 19 January 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, he directly assisted in the damage or destruction of 25 hostile supply vehicles, the creation of three secondary fires and the ignition of seven secondary explosions. Working in total darkness and often being violently thrown about by abrupt evasive maneuvers, he kept the gunship’s weapons loaded and operational at all times, thereby providing a constant source of firepower. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Snyder reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Terry L. Snyder, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aerial Gunner over Laos on 8 April 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions made the safe return of his battle damaged aircraft and a severely injured crew member possible. His exemplary performance insured the survival of both gunship and aircrew, after having directly assisted in the damage or destruction of 21 hostile supply vehicles, the ignition of eight sustained fires and the creation of eight secondary explosions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Snyder reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.