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 Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 22 November 1969. On that date, he was scrambled to participate in a Search and Rescue mission for the crew of a Navy fighter shot down deep in hostile territory. Acting as the On-Scene Commander of the rescue forces, Captain Holder repeatedly braved intense anti-aircraft fire to make low altitude passes over the survivor’s location. His efforts resulted in the safe and rapid recovery of the downed pilot. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Holder reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia in 1969. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Holder 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 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles Holder, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 27 December 1969. On that date, he participated in a Search and Rescue mission for two crew members downed over an intensely defended portion of the hostile infiltration route into South Vietnam. Captain Holder unhesitatingly braved the deadly ground fire as he set up a protective pattern over these downed pilots. His efforts aided immensely in the speedy and safe recovery of both crew members. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Holder reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.