The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Harry Edwin Ettinger, Jr. (NSN: 0-504133), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 28 July 1965, while commanding and serving with Attack Squadron TWENTY-FIVE (VA-25), embarked in U.S.S. MIDWAY (CVA-41). Acting as strike leader and coordinator of a strike mission against North Vietnam, Commander Ettinger expertly coordinated and supervised the rescue of an A-4 pilot whose plane crashed during the strike. Flying at extremely low altitude, Commander Ettinger and his wingman made continuous strafing and rocket attacks on enemy troops attempting to reach the downed pilot, keeping them away for over an hour and a half. Commander Ettinger directed the attacks and coordinated the activities of the other aircraft, remaining at the scene until the rescue helicopter arrived to complete the rescue. His superb airmanship, leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Commander Harry Edwin Ettinger, Jr. (NSN: 0-504133), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an A-1 aircraft while commanding Attack Squadron TWENTY-FIVE (VA-25), embarked in U.S.S. MIDWAY (CVA-41), during the rescue operation of a downed U.S. Navy pilot on the afternoon of 20 September 1965. This rescue operation was conducted in an area of known high intensity anti-aircraft fire and missile defenses as well as being in close proximity to enemy airfields. Following a coordinated air strike deep into enemy territory, which was opposed by intense anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, an A-4E aircraft was hit by flak with the pilot ejecting safely into rugged, hilly terrain about thirty-five miles northeast of Haiphong. Commander Ettinger proceeded to the crash scene without the support of fighter aircraft. After locating the downed pilot and dispatching his wingman to escort the helo, he remained in the area to deter any possible enemy ground activity threatening the downed pilot. During the helo pickup, ground troops in the area opened fire. Without concern for his personal safety, Commander Ettinger began making multiple strafing attacks. Due to the necessity for rapid re-attacks, it was mandatory for him to remain at a very low altitude which precluded regaining the desired airspeed and safe altitude for attacks. Commander Ettinger’s actions, in effecting the rescue of a fellow aviator downed in an area of known high intensity, anti-aircraft fire, missile defenses, and enemy jet fighter aircraft, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.