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 Pearce Hildreth Young, Jr. (AFSN: 0-53321), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O-2A Pilot in Southeast Asia on 30 June 1968. On that date, while acting as a Forward Air Controller for a concerted rescue and extraction effort, Major Young was an invaluable member of an inter-service team which effected the successful evacuation of a seven-man intelligence unit from an extremely dangerous location deep in hostile territory. Using his extensive knowledge of the area, Major Young quickly pointed out the only possible extraction site near the ground team. During the actual pickup, Major Young flew his unarmed and vulnerable aircraft at low altitudes to observe and divert the opposing forces in pursuit of the friendly unit and to be able to immediately direct escorting A-1E aircraft in sanitizing the exfiltration area if necessary. His actions enabled three CH3 Helicopters to successfully rescue the seven men from the jungle and hostile forces below. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Young reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.