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 Major Kelly G. Seidel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over hostile territory on 21 December 1972. On that date, Major Seidel flew a night combat air patrol in support of B-52’s striking in the vicinity of Hanoi, North Vietnam. When the flight lead aborted due to radio communication problems, Major Seidel proceeded to the assigned orbit point single ship and, despite numerous surface-to-air missile launches and intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, prevented attacks on the B-52’s by airborne enemy interceptor aircraft. His efforts allowed the B-52’s to accomplish their assigned mission while experiencing no aircraft losses. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Seidel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.