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 George Edward Eckert (AFSN: 0-3102413), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Navigator at Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam on 15 April 1968. On that date, Captain Eckert was instrumental in completing a vitally needed air evacuation mission out of Khe Sanh. By skillful use of airborne radar, Captain Eckert was able to guide his aircraft through the weather and high terrain and line it up with the runway. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Eckert reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.