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 Captain David L. Hickson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Aircraft Commander near Hue, Republic of Vietnam on 4 April 1970. On that date, Captain Hickson was called on to fly an Emergency Resupply drop to United States Army forces operating near the Laos-Vietnam border. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hickson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.