Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1968

    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 Major Derrel L. Dempsey, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-140A Flight Inspection Pilot as a classified site in Southeast Asia on 29 July 1968. Major Derrel L. Dempsey distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-140A Flight Inspection Pilot as a classified site in Southeast Asia on 29 July 1968. On that date, while flying a combat essential flight inspection mission, Major Dempsey was continuously exposed to hostile conditions including both small arms and anti-aircraft fire. Deteriorating weather required the aircraft to be flown at extremely low altitudes which placed his aircraft within 500 feet of known hostile positions. Friendly air strike activity further complicated the accomplishment of the mission. Despite this constant danger, Major Dempsey made numerous low passes over the same areas to complete the mission requirements. Through his efforts a classified navigational aid, required for the United States and Allied air operations, was commissioned for use in record time. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dempsey reflect great credit upon himself and the Untied States Air Force. n that date, while flying a combat essential flight inspection mission, Major Dempsey was continuously exposed to hostile conditions including both small arms and anti-aircraft fire. Deteriorating weather required the aircraft to be flown at extremely low altitudes which placed his aircraft within 500 feet of known hostile positions. Friendly air strike activity further complicated the accomplishment of the mission. Despite this constant danger, Major Dempsey made numerous low passes over the same areas to complete the mission requirements. Through his efforts a classified navigational aid, required for the United States and Allied air operations, was commissioned for use in record time. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dempsey reflect great credit upon himself and the Untied States Air Force.