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 Roy L. Hodges, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a CH-53 Helicopter in Southeast Asia on 21 November 1971. On that date, Captain Hodges flew in a formation to land a large contingent of allied soldiers near a tactical objective deep inside hostile territory. Despite the constant threat of ground fire from numerous hostile forces in the area, Captain Hodges made repeated approaches and landings moving a maximum number of troops in a record time, thus contributing significantly to the attainment of an area vital for the start of a new allied offensive. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hodges reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Roy L. Hodges, United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a CH-53C helicopter in Southeast Asia on 23 November 1971. On that date, Captain Hodges flew in a formation of four helicopters and four fighter aircraft on a mission to move a large contingent of allied soldiers to a mountain overlooking a hostile stronghold. Despite marginal weather conditions which had forced the cancellation of supporting air strikes and intense ground fire directed at his aircraft, Captain Hodges made repeated flights to the landing zone until all the allied troops were in position, thus contributing significantly to the start of a new offensive in a vital area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hodges reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.