Distinguished Flying Cross

DFC - DISTINGSHD FLYING CROSS

Eligibility Requirements

T he Distinguished Flying Cross, section 6245 of reference (nnn), United States Code (10 USC 6245), was established by Act of Congress.  Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps, distinguishes himself/herself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. To justify this decoration for heroism, an act in the face of danger, well above those actions performed by others engaged in similar flight operations, is required; for achievement, the results accomplished must be so exceptional as to render them conspicuous among those accomplished by others involved in similar circumstances.

1. In adjudging the appropriate awards for the various members of a flight crew, it is considered that the pilot responsible for flying the aircraft is sometimes eligible for a higher award than other members of the flight crew. However, in a two-seat aircraft where the pilot and crewmember constitute a team and function as an integral part of the weapons system, both would generally be eligible for the same award. A crewmember other than the pilot should not be precluded from receiving a higher award if circumstances so indicate. Each case will be considered on its own merits.
2. Establishment of a new aerial record does not necessarily qualify as an extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.
3. Combat Distinguishing Device. The Combat Distinguishing Device may be authorized for valor (heroism) after 4 April 1974.

Medal

Ribbon

Device

Precedence

Sample Citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

TO

LIEUTENANT, JUNIOR GRADE, GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH

UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

F or heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron FIFTY ONE, attached to the U.S.S. San Jacinto, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands, on September 2, 1944. Leading one section of a four-plane division in a strike against a radio station, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bush pressed home an attack in the face of intense antiaircraft fire. Although his plane was hit and set afire at the beginning of his dive, he continued his plunge toward the target and succeeded in scoring damaging bomb hits before bailing out of the craft. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Reserve.
For the President,

Secretary of the Navy