The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Wintford Leslie Bazzell (AFSN: FR-44320), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight over North Vietnam on 3 October 1967. On that date, Major Bazzell was a member of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to strike a rail bridge deep in North Vietnam. When his flight leader was shot down over hostile territory, Major Bazzell orbited the downed airman to fly cover for the rescue force. During this operation, he was under almost constant attack by surface-to-air missiles, heavy anti-aircraft fire and harassing MiG aircraft. Despite these defenses, Major Bazzell remained on station to fly protective cover for the vulnerable rescue aircraft, and he departed only after his fuel supply was exhausted. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Bazzell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.


