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 First Lieutenant Harold D. Ryan, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Navigator in Southeast Asia on 25 January 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Ryan flew an unarmed reconnaissance mission over hostile territory to obtain vital photographic intelligence Despite the adverse weather and intense ground fire, Lieutenant Ryan skillfully and aggressively obtained complete photographic coverage of the assigned target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Ryan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.