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 Master Sergeant Sam E. Perry, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-119K Aerial Gunner in Southeast Asia on 4 October 1972. On that date, Sergeant Perry’s crew responded to a tactical emergency declared by a friendly outpost being threatened by hostile forces. Despite marginal weather, intense antiaircraft fire, and weapon systems malfunctions, Sergeant Perry’s crew made repeated attacks that prevented the friendly outpost from being overrun. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Perry reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.