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 Donald J. Neese (AFSN: FR-3183827), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Aircraft Commander at Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 8 March 1971. On that date, Captain Neese was assigned a combat essential mission to airlift vitally needed helicopter fuel to Khe Sanh in support of Operation LAM SON 719. After landing at the short assault strip it was discovered that two tires had been cut due to taxiing on the jagged ramp. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Neese remained with his aircraft through a heavy rocket and mortar barrage in order to get his aircraft out of the besieged airfield with minimum exposure to hostile fire. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Neese reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force: Special Order G-3039 (September 24, 1971) -
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
773d Tactical Air Support SquadronAction Date:
June 12, 1971
Headquarters, 7th Air Force: Special Order G-2917 (September 14, 1971)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 Donald J. Neese (AFSN: FR-3183827), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 773d Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action at a classified location in Southeast Asia on 12 June 1971. On that date Captain Neese flew an emergency re-supply container delivery system airdrop mission to besieged friendly forces which were completely surrounded by an estimated division-size enemy force. On his approach to the drop zone, the aircraft was repeatedly struck by ground fire, one round exploding directly in front of Captain Neese and inflicting minor injury to his leg. Despite his hazardous emergency situation, Captain Neese perfectly performed an emergency recovery of his severely damaged aircraft, saving his valuable aircraft and the lives of his crew members. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Neese has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.