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 Carol Dee Hughes (AFSN: 0-67060), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a HC-123 Aircraft Commander near Quang Ngai, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 August 1968. On that date, Captain Hughes flew his unarmed aircraft on a vital low-level defoliation mission against a known hostile troops staging area. Although intense ground fire caused serious damage to his aircraft, Captain Hughes elected to stay with his formation and to make a second pass over the same target. Despite the intense resistance, he successfully completed his mission, and by so doing, deprived hostile forces of vital jungle cover for their operations, The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hughes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.