The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam, on 18 December 1967. On that date, Captain Ellis led a force greatly reduced in number by in-flight emergencies against one of the most heavily defended and significant targets in North Vietnam. Despite the presence of hostile aircraft, a heavy barrage of surface-to-air missiles, and intensive and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Captain Ellis delivered his ordnance squarely on the target, achieving outstanding results. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Ellis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Airman’s Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Vernon Dean Ellis, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Ellis reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Airman’s Medal
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-277 (November 15, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to Major Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Tachikawa Air Base, Tokyo, Japan, on 12 August 1974. On that date, Major Ellis, without regard for his own safety, rescued a University of Southern California teacher from possible death or serious injury. Despite the hazard of gas and oil leaking from the overturned automobile in a shallow river, he unhesitatingly entered the water, rescued the teacher whose head was submerged, then switched off the lights and ignition of the automobile. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Major Ellis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1868 (October 30, 1967)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 Captain Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over North Vietnam on 9 August 1967. On that date, Captain Ellis was a member of Detroit flight, assigned the mission of destroying a major railroad bridge. With unwavering calmness Captain Ellis directed his ordnance on target under extremely hazardous conditions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Ellis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2139 (December 1, 1967)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2139 (December 1, 1967), Amended by SO 2186 (December 7, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot in North Vietnam on 2 September 1967. On that date, Captain Ellis was a member of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs directed against a vital railroad in North Vietnam. Although he faced heavy anti-aircraft fire and SA-2 missile launches, Captain Ellis delivered all ordnance on target inflicting considerable damage. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Ellis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2186 (December 7, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 17 September 1967. On that date, Captain Ellis as a member of a flight of four, successfully attacked a vital railroad in North Vietnam. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire which damaged the aircraft of a member of the flight, Captain Ellis pressed his attack doing considerable damage to this important rail facility. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Ellis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-427 (February 7, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, Captain Ellis was Deputy Commander of a force of twenty F-105s on a mission against a heavily defended railroad and highway bridge four miles from Hanoi. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, numerous surface to air missiles, and the constant threat of hostile aircraft, Captain Ellis courageously penetrated the defenses and successfully placed his bombs on the target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Ellis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.