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 Major Francis Thomas O’Connor, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 January 1968, Major O’Connor launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a KC-130 Hercules aircraft assigned an emergency re-supply mission to the besieged Khe Sanh Combat Base. When his aircraft arrived over the designated area and descended through the heavy overcast, it came under intense hostile .50 caliber machine gun fire and was struck by five rounds, one of which penetrated his left wing fuel tank. Rapidly assessing the damage, Major O’Connor resolutely elected to complete his mission because of the priority of the cargo, and after directing measures to correct the fuel wing imbalance, he skillfully maneuvered his KC-130 to a safe landing. Undaunted by the dangers from the fuel streaming from his damaged tank that flooded the ramp area and the enemy mortar and rocket rounds impacting near his aircraft, he boldly maintained his KC-130’s position on the ground and directed the expeditious unloading of the vital cargo. Then, skillfully maneuvering his aircraft out of the dangerous area, he safely returned to the DaNang Air Base. Major O’Connor’s courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Francis Thomas O’Connor, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 November 1967, Major O’Connor launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a KC-130 transport aircraft assigned to deliver an ammunition cargo to Phu Bai. Nearing the airfield, the aircraft came under accurate ground fire which damaged one engine and caused the engine compartment to become filled with fuel. As the aircraft landed, the damaged engine suddenly exploded, engulfing the right wing in flames and causing the aircraft to veer toward the edge of the runway. Reacting instantly, Major O’Connor quickly regained control of the KC-130 and skillfully maneuvered it to a safe landing. His heroic and timely action prevented the loss of a valuable aircraft and possible injury to the crew. Major O’Connor’s calm presence of mind, superb aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger inspired all who served with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.