The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Dale Walter Doss (NSN: 0-591159), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-6A bombardier/navigator with Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE (VA-35), embarked in the aircraft carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65), in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia on 3 March 1968. Lieutenant Commander Doss assisted in the planning and conduct of a night, low-level radar attack against a thermal power plant, located north of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Successfully penetrating the radar-controlled defenses, he climbed to his release altitude while approaching the target and maintained an accurate radar tracking which insured a successful full-system weapons release, resulting in numerous secondary explosions. Lieutenant Commander Doss’ courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Dale Walter Doss (NSN: 0-591159), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 17 March 1968, as a Naval Flight Officer with Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE (VA-35), embarked in the aircraft carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65), during a combat mission over North Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Doss assisted in the planning and execution of a daring night air strike against a heavily defended railroad classification yard, located deep in North Vietnam. Navigating his aircraft at perilously low altitude and high speed in adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Commander Doss successfully penetrated the intense and accurate enemy defenses to reach the target area. Despite the inherent dangers associated with this low-level, night attack, plus the threat posed by the enemy antiaircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, he undertook the mission with a selfless zeal indicating a true dedication to his profession. Lieutenant Commander Doss’ courageous actions and exceptional airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Dale Walter Doss (NSN: 0-591159), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 13 March 1968 as a Naval Flight Officer in Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE (VA-35), embarked in the aircraft carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65). Flying in the aircraft of the second section leader in a four-plane A-6 division, Lieutenant Commander Doss participated in a successful attack against an important bridge in the center of Haiphong, North Vietnam, during a daring daylight strike. Although forced to evade three surface-to-air missiles, he assisted his pilot in pressing on to the target at a reduced power setting to enable their wingman, whose aircraft had a larger bomb load, to maintain position. Lieutenant Commander Doss successfully navigated his section to the optimum roll-in point and delivered his bombs exactly on target, inflicting severe damage to the bridge. His exceptional airmanship, courage, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.