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 Herman E. Kiefer, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Weapon Systems Officer over Southeast Asia on 7 April 1972. On that date, Major Kiefer attacked a highly defended surface-to-air missile site in North Vietnam. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and deteriorating weather conditions, Major Kiefer was able to deliver his ordnance precisely on target, successfully destroying the missile site. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kiefer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.