(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Dean E. DeTar, United States Air Force, was awarded 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Dean E. DeTar, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1H pilot near the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 October 1969. On that date, Major DeTar led a flight of A-1H Skyraiders at dusk, in mountainous terrain and under an 800 foot ceiling, to attack hostile troops which had trapped a segment of an Army Team. For two hours under the most adverse weather conditions Major DeTar braved repeated arms and automatic weapons, while he methodically proceeded to locate and mark the position of the friendly team, silence the opposing fire, and finally lead in Army helicopters with reinforcements, thus saving the team from almost certain annihilation or capture. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major DeTar 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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Dean E. DeTar, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1H pilot in the Que Son Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 14 September 1969. On that date, Major DeTar, a member of a flight of two A-1H Skyraiders, was scrambled from alert to strike a hostile political gathering in Que Son Valley. Major DeTar effected a surprise attack with great success, and in the face of intense ground fire, completely destroyed the target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major DeTar 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 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Dean E. DeTar, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia from 5 December to 7 December 1969. During this period Major DeTar led his flight on four low level missions into the most heavily defended areas of Southeast Asia in support of the successful rescue of an American Airman who was down deep in hostile territory for fifty-one hours. Major DeTar willingly exposed himself to hostile fire on twelve separate passes flying at 100 feet while delivering smoke and other ordnance, and is credited with a major contribution in saving the life of a fellow airman. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major DeTar 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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Dean E. DeTar, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 23 March 1970. On that date, while flying in support of a besieged long range reconnaissance team, Major DeTar attacked an opposing armed force in extremely adverse weather and terrain conditions. Through his pinpoint accuracy and devastating attack the team succeeded in breaking the contact; Major DeTar was instrumental in saving the lives of the team and effecting their recovery safely. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major DeTar reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.