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 Ronald C. Hortter, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Pilot for the 776th Tactical Airlift Squadron on 21 May 1972 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Captain Hortter flew an emergency re-supply aerial delivery mission to the besieged forces at An Loc. Captain Hortter was designated as Lead Aircraft with five aircraft in trail. Four SA-7 missiles were fired and through a series of maneuvers he successfully avoided all four missiles and completed the drop of desperately needed ammunition. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hortter reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.