Captain John C. McFarren distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Weapons System Operator near Qui Hau, North Vietnam, on 7 April 1972. On that date, Captain McFarren planned and flew a high priority reconnaissance mission into heavy concentration of anti-aircraft artillery complexes and active Surface-to-Air Missile sites in support of United States Air Force interdiction efforts. With great courage and without regard for his personal safety, Captain McFarren successfully obtained invaluable photography of Surface-to-Air Missile sites and troop and supply movements, despite extremely heavy and accurate hostile fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain McFarren reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.