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 Paul F. Koeltzow (AFSN: 0-46586), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 12 August 1967. On that date, Major Koeltzow led his force of twenty aircraft against the most heavily defended target complex in North Vietnam. Hampered by marginal weather, mechanical failures, and heavy and accurate hostile fire, Major Koeltzow led his force to the target, and although his aircraft was damaged by flak at the start of his bomb run, he overcame tremendous obstacles and continued his attack, destroying the target. Despite extensive damage to his aircraft, he engaged a flight of hostile aircraft and thwarted their imp-ending attack on a crippled F-105. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Koeltzow reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.






