The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Colonel Dean E. DeTar (then Major), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as the Commander of a Search and Rescue Force in Southeast Asia on 21 March 1970. On that date, Major DeTar led a force of twenty-nine aircraft against one of the most heavily defended locations in Southeast Asia to rescue an American airman. In spite of heavy opposing fire which inflicted severe losses on this and earlier rescue attempts, Major DeTar remained under constant attack while he led and inspired his forces to execute a successful rescue which saved the life of a fellow airman. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the opposing armed force, Major DeTar has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.