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 Joseph Anthony Machowski (AFSN: FV-3103931), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Dja Dien Ha Kniach, Republic of Vietnam, on 28 October 1965. On that date, while serving as Forward Air Controller for two civil irregular defense groups engaged in combat against a hostile force near Dja Dien Na Kniach, Captain Machowski repeatedly made low level passes at extremely slow speed to seek out the hostile forces, subjecting his aircraft constantly to intense and accurate ground fire. His daring courage and determination under hostile fire permitted the friendly forces to overrun the hostile positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Machowski 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 pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Joseph Anthony Machowski (AFSN: FV-3103931), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Western Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 March 1966. On that date, he was on a mission in support of a Special Force Patrol pinned down by hostile forces. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Machowski flew repeatedly over the hostile forces despite intense automatic weapons and anti-aircraft fire in order that his rear seat observer could provide suppressive fire. He later directed fighter-bomber aircraft against the hostile positions which enabled the friendly patrol to complete its mission without loss of life and resulted in heavy losses to the hostile forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Machowski reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.