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 Kenneth M. Hiltz, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight during a mission over North Vietnam on 19 January 1968. On that date Lieutenant Colonel Hiltz, as a member of a surface to air missile suppression flight courageously exposed himself to hostile missile attack and anti-aircraft fire under extremely adverse conditions in order to effectively counter a determined and aggressive hostile defense. Through the determined efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Hiltz and his flight, which intentionally drew the major portion of the hostile force’s reaction, allowing for the survivability of the main force and greatly enhanced its effectiveness. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Hiltz reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.