The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Louis E. Campbell, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53-C Aircraft Commander near Than Hoa, North Vietnam on 10 December 1972. On that date, Captain Campbell voluntarily flew into a highly hostile and heavily defended area to attempt the rescue of a downed American airman. With his aircraft severely damaged and his copilot injured and disabled by ground fire, Captain Campbell continued to skillfully and with great presence of mind navigate and fly his vulnerable helicopter at treetop level in order to save his crew and aircraft. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Campbell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.