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 with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Michael John Lynch (AFSN: FR-80494), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Pilot of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 10 February 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Lynch was a member of a two-ship flight acting in support of the besieged allied troops at Khe Sanh. In spite of continuous active enemy defenses, restrictive terrain and adverse weather, Lieutenant Lynch made multiple passes on a hostile encampment, contributing materially to the destruction of over one hundred military structures and effectively neutralizing the hostile encampment. This single, outstanding mission significantly lessened the pressure on the allied troops at Khe Sanh. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lynch 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 with Combat “V” to Captain Michael John Lynch (AFSN: FR-80494), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander of an F-4D Phantom of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia on 24 January 1969. On that date, Captain Lynch conducted a low level attack against a hostile infiltration route leading into South Vietnam. The method of ordnance deliver required him to expose himself to lethal concentrations of antiaircraft defenses. During the attack, the intensive fire downed his wingman. Disregarding his own safety, Captain Lynch remained in the target area to assist his comrades and to coordinate search and rescue efforts. His conduct resulted in the accomplishment of a vital mission and in the safe recovery of his downed wingman. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lynch 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Michael John Lynch (AFSN: FR-80494), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4 Pilot of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 6 January 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Lynch’s flight successfully executed a difficult escort of a slow-flying aircraft through a heavily defended area. His flight then performed armed reconnaissance of a heavily traveled and highly defended supply route. Under continuous hostile ground fire, his flight was able to seek out and leave a military storage area in flames, neutralize a multiple gun anti-aircraft artillery position, level a large storage building, and sink ten small boats, five medium boats, and an eighty foot barge engaged in transporting military supplies. His courageous action clearly hampered the North Vietnamese logistic efforts. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lynch 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Michael John Lynch (AFSN: FR-80494), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 29 November 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Lynch was a member of an armed reconnaissance flight which sank nine cargo vessels, severed two major transportation arteries, and silenced several anti-aircraft sites. Lieutenant Lynch’s precise navigation and knowledgeable observations concerning the targets and their defenses were instrumental in the success of the mission. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lynch reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.