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 Geoffrey Peter Engels (AFSN: 0-63816), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O-1 Pilot and Forward Air Controller, 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 April 1967. On that date, Captain Engels was controlling a combat support mission directed against an occupied unfriendly base camp. When the mission was near completion he received a call that the nearby support base was under heavy mortar attack. With complete disregard for his own safety and in spite of intense automatic weapons fire, Captain Engels was able to locate and mark the unfriendly locations for the fighters. Captain Engels’ actions resulted in the destruction of two mortar and three automatic weapon positions, and completely halting the attack. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Engels reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 with Combat “V” to Captain Geoffrey Peter Engels (AFSN: 0-63816), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia, on 13 January 1973. On that date, despite the battle damage inflicted by a surface-to-air missile and the multiple emergencies incurred, Captain Engels successfully released his weapons on his designated target. A second missile detonation subsequent to weapon release further crippled the aircraft; nevertheless, through professional skill and superior airmanship Captain Engels returned to his home base and safely recovered the aircraft and crew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Engels reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.