The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Michael V. Franzak, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as pilot of an AV-8B Harrier, Marine Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMA-513), Bagram, Afghanistan, United States Marine Corps Forces, Central command, on 25 August 2003, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Major Franzak was the flight leader ordered to scramble a section of Harriers to provide emergency close air support to an ambushed coalition patrol. Upon arrival at the target area, two ground elements were reporting heavy fire from enemy ambush positions. The section attacked at low altitude and at ranges dangerously close to the coalition patrol with the 25-mm. cannon, while exposing themselves to surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft weapon attacks. Major Franzak maneuvered his aircraft towards the target and silenced the enemy with a burst from his 25-mm. cannon. Major Franzak led multiple strafing attacks that kept continuous and deadly pressure on the enemy. After guiding a laser-guided bomb onto the enemy, he attacked again by guiding his wingman’s laser guided bomb onto the enemy. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty, Major Franzak reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)