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 Lewis M. Lyons, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Navigator with the 15th Special Operations Squadron, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 December 1969. On that date, Colonel Lyons overcame severe environmental hazards on a night combat airdrop mission over territory controlled by unfriendly forces. He penetrated active hostile defenses, marginal weather conditions, and rugged mountainous terrain to deliver the drop load successfully. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Lyons reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.