The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Dale L. Eppinger (AFSN: 0-57371), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Pilot near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 August 1968. Major Eppinger’s helicopter was called upon to rescue a six-man Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol which was under attack by a hostile force. Despite hostile ground fire, he maneuvered his helicopter into an opening in the tall jungle growth barely larger than the aircraft. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Eppinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
20th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
April 21, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Dale L. Eppinger (AFSN: 0-57371), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a UH-1P Helicopter Pilot in the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Nha Trang Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 April 1969. On that date, Major Eppinger, against great odds, unhesitatingly descended his aircraft through intense ground fire to rescue a seven-man, long range reconnaissance patrol which was surrounded and in imminent danger of being overrun by a large hostile force. When his aircraft was shot down during the rescue attempt, Major Eppinger assumed immediate command of the ground defensive situation and, in a further display of courage and leadership, directed air strikes against the opposing forces until their attacks were thwarted, and all patrol members and aircrew man could be rescued. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and extraordinary heroism, Major Eppinger reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
20th Special Operations SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
November 26, 1968
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 with Combat “V” to Major Dale L. Eppinger (AFSN: 0-57371), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight over the Republic of Vietnam on 26 November 1968. On that date, Major Eppinger, as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1F Transport Helicopter, rescued the crew of a UH-1F Gunship Helicopter that had been shot down by a heavily armed hostile force. Disregarding the fact that no protective cover was available, Major Eppinger immediately landed his aircraft beside the downed aircraft to pick up its crew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Eppinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 28, 1973 – December 5, 1975
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Dale L. Eppinger (AFSN: 0-57371), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander and Commander, 321st Combat Support Group, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, from 28 July 1973 to 5 December 1975. In these important assignments, Colonel Eppinger’s forceful leadership and consummate professional skill resulted in permanent material improvement of living and working conditions at Grand Force Air Force Base. Furthermore, his innovative ideas have been incorporated into an Energy Conservation Program that is among the best in the command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Eppinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.