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 with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Earl Eugene Chambers (AFSN: AF-18631752), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Flight Mechanic within the Demilitarized Zone of North Vietnam on 6 October 1966. On that date, Staff Sergeant Chambers was flying on a rescue mission to attempt the recovery of two American pilots, when his aircraft sustained a hit by an explosive projectile in the fuselage. Flying evasive tactics to avoid additional hits by heavy hostile ground fire, he remained in the search area to provide immediate rescue capability until the mission was terminated. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Chambers reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.


