The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Marion Lee Minnis, Jr. (NSN: 0-533041), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VA-112), in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), engaged in combat operations against North Vietnamese forces on 21 January 1967. As strike leader of a major strike against the Ninh Binh Bridge and transshipment complex, Commander Minnis planned, coordinated and led elements of Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN in a crippling strike which helped to sever the enemy’s primary rail and highway supply routes at Ninh Binh. Although this vital area was heavily defended by enemy surface-to-air missiles and the strike was heavily opposed by enemy anti-aircraft fire, his precise navigation and evasive maneuvering placed each aircraft in position to successfully deliver its ordnance on the target. His own accurately delivered ordnance contributed heavy damage to an important bridge in the complex. Although under heavy fire, these attacks were pressed home with Commander Minnis, as leader, demonstrating the skill necessary for the task. Commander Minnis’ detailed plan of attack, courageous leadership under enemy fire and expert weapons deliver were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Marion Lee Minnis, Jr. (NSN: 0-533041), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VA-112), in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), while leading an air strike on the morning of 25 April 1967 against the Haiphong cement plant located in North Vietnam. Commander Minnis planned and led a 39 plane strike against this vital enemy industrial complex located in one of the most highly defended areas in North Vietnam. He skillfully planned the strike to afford the maximum utilization of his aircraft with minimum exposure to enemy defenses. Although intensely opposed by enemy flak and surface-to-air missiles, Commander Minnis was able to avoid this opposition through expert airmanship and commands while maneuvering the strike group into the most advantageous position to strike the target. In doing so, the point where further evasive maneuvering would be detrimental to the success of the mission was recognized precisely with all further efforts devoted to locating and striking the target. Commander Minnis and the members of his strike dealt a devastating blow to the enemy by disabling the enemy plant and destroying many of the buildings located within the target complex. His own accuracy of weapons delivery was clearly shown in post strike photographs. Major damage was also inflicted against enemy defensive positions located in the area. Because of his superb planning and courageous leadership all members of the strike successfully completed the mission safely. The gallantry, flawless execution and outstanding leadership displayed by Commander Minnis in the face of grave personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.