The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain John Griffeth Houston (AFSN: FR-55501), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight over Southeast Asia while serving with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, from 15 July 1966 to 1 August 1966. During this period, while flying as Forward Air Controller in support of United States Marine Corps forces in Operation HASTINGS, Captain Houston displayed superior airmanship and courage while uncovering and destroying hostile gun emplacements. During his many reconnaissance flights, he repeatedly presented his aircraft as a target to hostile gunners. Most noteworthy of his accomplishments and displays of courage was his disclosure of anti-aircraft positions and guns of a hostile battalion-size unit on 23 July 1966. Once the hostile force’s positions were accurately located, he called for attack aircraft, marked each target for attack, and vigorously pursued the attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Houston reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain John Griffeth Houston (AFSN: FR-55501), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action at Bu Prang Regional Forces Outpost, Quang Duc Sector, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 March 1966. On that date, Captain Houston flew his O-1E aircraft ten hours under continued and intense ground fire, providing for and directing air strikes in support of the defense of Bu Prang Outpost against a regiment of hostile forces. Three hours of this flying occurred at night under extremely hazardous terrain and weather conditions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Houston reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.