Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1307 (August 23, 1967)
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 First Lieutenant Joseph Claude Della-Rodolfa, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3155192), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in an O-1 Bird Dog aircraft in Southeast Asia on 23 February 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Della-Rodolfa was flying his light unarmed aircraft in support of friendly ground units in contact with hostile forces. Despite the hazards of ground fire, numerous helicopters, poor weather, and approaching darkness, his outstanding courage and determination enabled fighter aircraft to destroy the hostile stronghold in a minimum of time. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Dela-Rodolfa reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.