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 Evan G. Thompson, Jr. (AFSN: FV-3037962), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Crew Co-pilot near the Demilitarized Zone, Republic of Vietnam on 14 March 1967. On that date, Captain Thompson directed his unarmed rescue helicopter through dense anti-aircraft gun positions and into an area of known hostile activity to recover the survivors of two downed Marine helicopters. Disregarding his own safety, Captain Thompson knowingly exposed himself to these hostile forces and successfully rescued the downed Marines. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.