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 Gerald W. Rinker, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Pilot over Hoa Loc Airfield, North Vietnam on 22 February 1967. On that date, Captain Rinker successfully photographed two priority one targets while under direct attack of three SAMs and heavy anti-aircraft fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Rinker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.