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 Gregory Boyington, United States Air Force, for heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over hostile territory on 27 November 1968. On that date, Captain Boyington participated in a reconnaissance escort mission over the most heavily defended area of southern North Vietnam. Braving one of the heaviest fusillades of antiaircraft artillery fire ever experienced by a pilot in this conflict, Captain Boyington successfully completed his mission under a low overcast cloud condition which silhouetted his aircraft for the hostile gunners. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Boyington has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.