The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Major Richard L. Mehr for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia as an A-1E pilot on 2 and 3 July 1967. On the 2nd of July, Major Mehr flew through intense hostile fire to provide cover for an F-105 pilot downed in a heavily defended area of North Vietnam. With the onset of darkness and diminishing fuel, Major Mehr returned to base for minimum rest. He volunteered to continue rescue operations that were set up for the next day and took off at first light. Amidst MIG fighters, deadly missiles, antiaircraft fire, and hostile small arms fire, he located the downed pilot. Braving this deadly arsenal that damaged his aircraft, he continued to direct air strikes against the hostile positions and thereby protected the downed pilot and permitted a helicopter to rescue the pilot from the area. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Mehr reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.