Navy Federal Credit Union

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 (Army Award) to Captain Eldon D. Henderson (AFSN: FR-70075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 15 June 1967, in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam. On that date Captain Henderson, serving as a Forward Air Controller, received information that a Civilian Irregular Defense Group company led by United States Army Special Forces personnel, was overrun by a North Vietnamese Battalion. The Civilian Irregular Defense Group company, suffering heavy casualties, was completely disorganized and attempting to escape and evade enemy forces to reorganize. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Henderson flew his O-1E aircraft at treetop level. Locating many small groups of the friendly force, he established communications and guided these groups to a rally point where they could reorganize. Captain Henderson continued to fly in support of the ground forces until they had reorganized, even though extensive enemy fire was directed toward his aircraft. Captain Henderson’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and upon the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Kontum Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-628 (May 2, 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 Captain Eldon DeVere Henderson (AFSN: FR-70075), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Kontum, Republic of Vietnam on 14 March 1967. On that date, Captain Henderson flew almost fou8r hours in darkness, restricted visibility and mountainous terrain, supporting a friendly ground force which was surrounded by a numerically superior force. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Henderson flew at low altitude over the beleaguered force, directing the placement of flares, the application of ordnance in extremely close support and the movement of the ground force to safety. His skill and professional ability causd heavy casualties to the hostile forces while allowing the successful extracdtion of the friendly forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Henderson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Kontum Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    June 17, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1581 (October 4, 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 Captain Eldon DeVere Henderson (AFSN: FR-70075), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 17 June 1967. On that date, Captain Henderson flew at night, in extremely hazardous weather and terrain, in support of the military complex at Kontum and the Dak To Special Forces Camp both of which had come under rocket and mortar attack. Despite exceeding perilous circumstances, Captain Henderson directed AC-47 aircraft gunfire discouraging the hostile attacks and inflicting heavy casualties to the hostile forces. Through his determination, superior airmanship, and complete disregard for personal safety, Captain Henderson saved numerous friendly lives and prevented considerable damage to military installations. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Henderson has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.