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 Ronald Arthur Bettner, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over hostile territory on 24 August 1971. On that date, Captain Bettner, flying as a fast-moving Forward Air Controller, directed five flights of Tactical Fighters that struck a heavily defended hostile truck park and petroleum storage area. Captain Bettner, in the face of heavy automatic weapons fire, provided expert control and direction which resulted in the complete destruction of this highly important target complex. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Bettner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.