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 Neil Barry Crist, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-7A Aircraft Commander of the 458th Tactical Airlift Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, in action over hostile territory on 19 February 1969. On that date, Captain Crist responded to a request for an emergency re-supply of combat essential items by U.S. Army forces in the vicinity of Song Be, Republic of Vietnam. In spite of heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from the perimeter areas of the camp, Captain Crist landed on the damaged runway, off-loaded his vital cargo intact, and exited the field during the enemy mortar barrage. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Crist 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Neil Barry Crist, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-7A Aircraft Commander of the 458th Tactical Airlift Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, in action over hostile territory in Southeast Asia on 18 November 1969. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Crist 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 Captain Neil Barry Crist, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over hostile territory on 24 July 1972. On that date, Captain Crist participated in a strike mission against an enemy supply depot in the vicinity of Quan Khe, North Vietnam. Despite the threat of heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and low overcast ceiling which severely restricted deliver parameters, Captain Crist was able to deliver his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy on the target, and was credited with destroying two large seagoing barges, severely damaging two other large seagoing barges and destroying twelve warehouses. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Crist reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.