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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Earl W. Grenzebach, Jr. (AFSN: FR-31185), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against a hostile force deep within North Vietnam on 17 January 1967. On that date, Major Grenzebach was a member of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bombers assigned to attack a heavily defended railroad center of vital importance to the hostiles. Despite poor visibility in the target area and intense hostile air defense efforts, the target was located and struck with pin-point accuracy. In pressing the attack home, despite strong hostile resistance and poor weather conditions, Major Grenzebach denied the hostiles the continued use of one of his vital resources. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Grenzebach reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    May 12, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-894 (June 21, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Earl W. Grenzebach, Jr. (AFSN: FR-31185), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-105 Pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 12 May 1967. On that date, Major Grenzebach let a flight of four F-105’s on a successful attack against an important military storage facility located in a heavily defended area. Major Grenzebach, displaying exceptional pilot skill, outstanding judgment, calm determination and disregard for personal safety, pressed the attack and delivered his ordnance directly on the target inflicting major damage to the installation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Grenzebach has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    April 29, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-842 (June 14, 1967)

    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 Earl W. Grenzebach, Jr. (AFSN: FR-31185), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 29 April 1967. On that date, Major Grenzebach’s superb leadership and navigation ability together with his quick, accurate judgment and exceptional pilot ability contributed directly to the destruction of this important target. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Grenzebach reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.