The downed airman whose aid Captain Lukasik went to in the action that earned him the Air Force cross was the Vietnamese “back seater” for Lieutenant Colonel Ken Lengfield. Colonel Lengfield later recounted that Captain Lukasik, when out of ammunition, actually flew low enough to chase off the pursuing enemy with his propeller blades. On the day after his Air Force Cross action, February 19, 1964, Captain Lukasik was killed during a combat mission.
Sponsored by:
Bernard
Francis
Lukasik
KIA (RVN)
August 20, 1934
–
February 19, 1964
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Air Force Cross
-
Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
1st Air Commando SquadronRegiment:
34th Tactical GroupDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
February 18, 1964
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Bernard Francis Lukasik (AFSN: 0-48211), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Group, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, as a Advisor-Pilot of a T-28D aircraft on 18 February 1964. On that date, Captain Lukasik provided airpower against advancing Viet Cong guerrillas who were intent on capturing a Vietnamese airman who had bailed out of his burning aircraft. Despite the danger of hostile gun fire, Captain Lukasik continuously flew his aircraft at extremely low level and remained in the area until he was satisfied that the safety of the downed airman was assured. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Lukasik reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.