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 Lieutenant Colonel John M. Franta, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Navigator on an AC-119K Gunship in Southeast Asia on the night of 11 May 1972. On this night Colonel Franta’s crew was directed to give close air support to friendly forces in the besieged city of An Loc, Republic of Vietnam. Despite an extremely hostile environment, Colonel Franta’s aircraft delivered accurate and positive fire against hostile gun positions. After expending all available ammunition Colonel Franta’s crew dropped flares and acted as an airborne Forward Air Controller for fighter aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Franta reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.