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 Leslie R. Holland, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the aircraft commander of an F-111A over North Vietnam on 16 April 1968. On that date, Major Holland performed a night low-level strike against a heavily defended target in adverse weather conditions. In spite of malfunctioning aircraft equipment, Major Holland skillfully piloted his aircraft through rugged terrain and around the defenses to destroy an important target. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Holland reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.