Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 9, 1972

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 Kenneth J. Curry, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Commander, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, on 9 April 1972. On that date, while piloting the second B-52 of a three ship formation engaged in close, heavy bombardment support for allied forces in South Vietnam, Captain Curry’s aircraft sustained major damages from a surface-to-air missile which resulted in serious power and control problems. After a professional assessment of known damages and evaluation of alternatives, Captain Curry proceeded to the nearest suitable landing base and maneuvered his aircraft to a successful landing without further damage to the aircraft or injury to the crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Curry reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.