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.