The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Charles Edwin Engle, United States Air Force (Reserve), for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 24 October 1970. On that date, Captain Engle’s small unarmed aircraft came under intense anti-aircraft and small arms fire while he was pinpointing positions of hostile forces and the aircraft was severely damaged. Despite the damage to the aircraft, Captain Engle elected to return to his home airfield rather than land at an isolated and un-secure area and lose valuable equipment and possibly risk other American lives in a rescue attempt. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Engle reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Captain [then First Lieutenant]Regiment:
56th Special Operations WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
January 2 – 3, 1971
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain [then First Lieutenant] Charles Edwin Engle, United States Air Force (Reserve), for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of an O-1 aircraft of the 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 2 – 3 January 1971. On these dates, Lieutenant Engle flew his aircraft under adverse weather conditions through intensive ground fire in support of free world forces. He continuously flew low passes through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft and small arms fire to accurately mark the target, causing heavy damage against the opposing hostile forces’ positions and targets. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Lieutenant Engle has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
56th Special Operations WingDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
August 21, 1970
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1015 (April 2, 1971)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Charles Edwin Engle, United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 21 August 1970. On that date, flying under adverse conditions, over extremely hazardous terrain through sustained anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Lieutenant Engle maintained his aircraft in the area to direct allied tactical air against dangerous hostile forces positions and targets. Through his personal initiative and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Engle in the dedication of his service to his country reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Captain [then First Lieutenant]Regiment:
56th Special Operations WingDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 20, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Captain [then First Lieutenant] Charles Edwin Engle, United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of an O-1 aircraft of the 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 20 June 1970. On that date, while attempting to pinpoint a downed pilot’s location, Captain Engle’s aircraft was met with a hail of gunfire which severed the fuel line, drenching the aircraft and pilot. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Engle continued his efforts to suppress surrounding ground fire positions. When the pilot was located, a pickup was attempted. During the attempt, the rescue aircraft helicopter received heavy automatic weapons fire. Realizing that the rescue aircraft was in extreme danger of being shot down, Captain Engle, again with complete disregard for his own safety, dove his aircraft between the gun position and the helicopter, thereby allowing the helicopter to safely break away. After the ground fire was suppressed, other aircraft moved in for a successful pickup. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Engle reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.