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 Major Joseph P. Luce (AFSN: FV-3035949), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-26 Navigator in Southeast Asia on 13 December 1966. On that date, Major Luce was on a night armed reconnaissance mission over a hostile and heavily-fortified area when a convoy attempting to re-supply unfriendly forces was detected. Despite intense hostile ground fire coming from within and all around the convoy, Major Luce, without regard for his personal safety, elected to press low level attacks, allowing his aircraft to become extremely vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire. Through these tactics, however, Major Luce was able to close the road and inflict destruction upon the convoy. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Luce reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Joseph P. Luce (AFSN: FV-3035949), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia on 8 May 1967. Conducting a night low level reconnaissance and strike mission, Major Luce attacked a vehicular convoy. Pressing his attack through heavy ground fire, Major Luce destroyed five trucks. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Luce reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.