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 Colonel Eileen Marie Collins, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia, from 23 July 1999 to 27 July 1999. During this period, Colonel Collins’ outstanding leadership, exceptional technical knowledge, thorough preparation, operational expertise, superior flying skills, and flawless airmanship led directly to the total success of the 1.5 billion dollar Chandra X-Ray Observatory deployment. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Collins reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.