GENERAL ORDERS )
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II. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS. By direction of the President, under
the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 2 July 1926 (Bulletin 8, WD, 1926), a
Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded by the Commanding General, Far East Air Forces, to
the following named officer: Lieutenant Colonel GERARD F. WIENTJES distinguished himself by extraordinary
achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander of an AC-47
aircraft at Thon Gia Bo, Republic of Vietnam, on the night of 7 February 1967. On that
date, Colonel Wientjes and his crew were called to the defense of an ARVN outpost which
was surrounded by a large hostile force and in imminent danger of being overrun. In spite
of poor visibility, treacherous terrain and heavy hostile fire Colonel Wientjes and his
crew repeatedly attacked the hostile forces. Despite the additional danger of having to
climb the aircraft in total darkness above nearby mountains the crew continued to press
the attack until the last flare had gone out. The actions of Colonel Wientjes and his crew
under the most difficult and dangerous conditions was responsible for the successful
defense of the friendly force and the destruction of numerous hostiles. The professional
competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Wientjes reflect great
credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.Read his other citations: Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (1 OLC) |
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