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 Charles Francis Riess, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Pilot near Tchepone, Laos on 19 March 1971. On that date, Captain Riess attacked a large hostile troop concentration which was supported by anti-aircraft guns and was attacking friendly forces. His assistance to the Aircraft Commander resulted in extremely accurate ordnance deliveries which destroyed three hostile anti-aircraft gun sites and one mortar position. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Riess reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
December 24, 1972 – March 28, 1973
Captain Charles Francis Riess, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from December 24, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
December 24, 1972 – March 28, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Charles Francis Riess, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 24 December 1972 to 28 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
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 to Captain Charles Francis Riess, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Pilot near Kontum, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 August 1971. On that date, Captain Riess led a flight of fighter aircraft in attacking an extremely dangerous hostile storage area. In spite of unfavorable weather and heavy ground fire, his expert assistance to the aircraft commander resulted in three military structures damaged, five bunkers and seven structures destroyed, and one hostile casualty. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Riess reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.