Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Donald Robert Kane, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Pilot over Southeast Asia on 15 February 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 18 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of numerous secondary fires and explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 342 rounds of hostile anti-aircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kane reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    February 21, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Donald Robert Kane, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 21 February 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 11 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of 18 secondary fires and explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of radar guided anti-aircraft fire and two surface-to-air missiles, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kane reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    March 5, 1972

    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 Major Donald Robert Kane, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aircraft Commander over Laos on 5 March 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 28 hostile supply vehicles and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions. While coping with the constant threat imposed by accurate anti-aircraft fire, he displayed extraordinary airmanship in continually pressing the attack against enemy supply vehicles and made these outstanding mission results possible. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kane reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1971

    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 Major Donald Robert Kane, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Aircraft Commander over Laos on 7 December 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 14 hostile supply vehicles and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions as his aircraft received over 2,000 rounds of deadly accurate anti-aircraft ground fire, encountering one of the fiercest enemy anti-aircraft defensive reactions recorded in the history of AC-130 gunship operations. He displayed superior airmanship and perseverance in pressing the attack against enemy supply targets and made this mission an extraordinary success. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kane reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.