The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Thomas J. Lyon (AFSN: 0-3210789), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Pilot in Southeast Asia on 2 January 1971. On that date he led a flight of two Skyraiders from a routine strike mission to the scene of a downed American aircrew deep in hostile territory. Disregarding his personal safety, he plunged his aircraft through an overcast and struck the encircling hostile gun positions and troops. By exposing himself to their fire he was able to drive the hostiles back and prevent the capture of the downed pilots. The time thus gained led to the eventual recover of this air crew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lyon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Thomas J. Lyon (AFSN: 0-3210789), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter pilot in Southeast Asia on 26 February 1971. On that date he was scrambled on a Search and Rescue mission in progress for two crewmen who had abandoned their battle-damaged aircraft deep in hostile territory. His accurate ordnance delivery denied the opposing forces access to the survivors and played a major role in the successful recovery of both crewmen. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lyon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 First Lieutenant Thomas J. Lyon (AFSN: 0-3210789), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Skyraider pilot in Southeast Asia on 13 December 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Lyon flew in a flight of A-1’s on a Search and Rescue mission for two American pilots who were forced to abandon their aircraft and landed along one of the most heavily defended segments of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Despite ground fire hitting his own aircraft, Lieutenant Lyon elected to remain in the area, accurately suppressing ground fire and coordinating air operations against the hostile defenses leading to the eventual rescue of the downed pilots. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lyon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas J. Lyon (AFSN: 0-3210789), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 22 October 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Lyon was diverted from his original mission to help a friendly outpost that was under heavy attack and was nearly overrun. Without regard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Lyon accurately delivered bombs and other ordnance around the post perimeter and was directly responsible for the safety of the personnel who were then able to maintain their position. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lyon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Thomas J. Lyon (AFSN: 0-3210789), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 13 March 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Lyon assumed On-Scene-Command of a rescue mission for a downed pilot. At the risk of his own life he trolled low over the hostile area to identify, locate, and strike anti-aircraft positions that would be lethal to the rescue helicopter during the pickup attempt. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lyon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.