(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Jerry M. Griggs (AFSN: 0-3081409), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Jerry M. Griggs (AFSN: 0-3081409), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Crew Commander northwest of Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam on 27 February 1968. On that date, Captain Griggs was scrambled to attempt the rescue of two downed United States Navy crew members from an extremely hostile area. After avoiding hostile weapons positions, Captain Griggs twice established and maintained a hover in full view of a hostile village. Because of the extremely rough terrain, Captain Griggs was required to maintain a prolonged hover before the two men could be rescued. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Griggs reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Jerry M. Griggs (AFSN: 0-3081409), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E in Southeast Asia on 18 March 1968. On that date, Captain Griggs penetrated an extremely hostile area to search for the crew of a United States Air Force fighter aircraft which had been shot down. Captain Griggs accomplished a sustained low altitude low speed search in the same extremely hostile environment which had downed the fighter until opposing ground fire rendered the search position untenable. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Griggs reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Jerry M. Griggs (AFSN: 0-3081409), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an HH-3E in Southeast Asia on 16 January 1967. On that date, Captain Griggs was scrambled to attempt the extraction of a Special Forces Team which was completely surrounded by hostile forces. Despite extremely hazardous weather conditions and mountainous terrain, Captain Griggs defied continuous hostile fire to recover eight members of the team. The eight personnel recovered under combat conditions by Captain Griggs represent the highest total ever achieved in a single rescue by an HH-3E helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Griggs reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.