?»?The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Pete Valdez, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an EC-47 Airborne Morse Systems Operator at Da Nang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 15 June 1970. Sergeant Valdez flew a long and arduous mission through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire and attack. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished this highly intricate and hazardous mission in support of free world forces combating aggression. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Valdez reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.