The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Harold Speer (NSN: 0-507584), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 19 May 1967 as a pilot in Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-211), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). As the flight leader of six F-8 aircraft assigned to escort and provide target combat air patrol for two A4 aircraft during a strike against a thermal power plant in North Vietnam, Commander Speer demonstrated outstanding leadership and airmanship in the planning and execution of the defense of the strike group. Encountering an intense barrage of about twenty-five surface-to-air missiles, and under attack from enemy MIGs, he pressed on toward the target, maintaining flight discipline and integrity. Despite increasingly heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, his flight successfully defended the bombers who scored direct hits on the target, causing extensive damage. During retirement from the target area, Commander Speer sighted a MIG closing dangerously to attack the A-4s. Through his skillful execution of tactical maneuvers, he was able to fire two sidewinders at the MIG, causing it to dive into the ground and explode on impact. Continuing the retirement, his flight downed two other enemy aircraft with sidewinders and damaged another by 20-mm. cannon fire. By his superior airmanship, leadership and sound tactical judgment, Commander Speer contributed greatly to the successful execution of this mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.