(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain John Melvyn Beakley (AFSN: FV-3132518), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

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 John Melvyn Beakley (AFSN: FV-3132518), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 Pilot near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 November 1966. On that date, Captain Beakley was flying the second aircraft in a three-ship formation of unarmed UC-123 spray aircraft engaged in attacking a heavily defended crop and defoliation target. Intense hostile fire had severely damaged his aircraft and wounded all three crew members in the cockpit, including himself. Despite being partially incapacitated because of serious head wounds, Captain Beakley completed the pass over the target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Beakley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.