The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Dennis J. Sapp, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-five embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA 19). On 29 April 1972, Lieutenant Sapp was the leader of three sections of surface-to-air missile suppression aircraft during a large coordinated air wing strike in North Vietnam. After assuming his assigned station, his aircraft was simultaneously illuminated by two surface-to-air missile tracking radars. He immediately fired a missile at one site, and as he began his attack on the second site, two surface-to-air missiles were launched at his flight. He fired his remaining missile at the second site. Violent defensive maneuvering enabled him to narrowly evade the missiles. He then executed a precision strafing attack on the missile site, destroying its tracking radar. His daring and aggressive attacks completely suppressed any further missile fire and were largely responsible for the fact that no aircraft were lost on the mission. Lieutenant Sapps’ courageous leadership and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.