The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Gerald Leon Finton (AFSN: FV-3107711), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C pilot in Southeast Asia on 30 March 1967. On that date, Captain Finton was part of a three ship low level, high speed strike against a major steel mill complex in hostile territory. In the face of marginal weather, and the heaviest defenses ever encountered by the United States Air Forces in Southeast Asia, Captain Finton exhibited extraordinary courage and aggressive spirit by pressing the attack and delivering his ordnance on the target. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Finton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.