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 with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Major Norman Schmidt (AFSN: 0-42819/1852653), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-104 Pilot near Dong Hai, North Vietnam, on 1 September 1966. On that date, Major Schmidt was leading a flight of F-104’s on a petroleum, oil and lubricants strike mission. Though the target was obscured by cloud cover and defended by numerous anti-aircraft artillery positions, Major Schmidt chose to attack and deny the hostile forces of much needed petroleum, oil and lubricants. As he began his attack he was engulfed by all types of anti-aircraft fire, and sustained severe damage to his aircraft. Major Schmidt heroically stayed with his aircraft long enough to deliver his ordnance, then abandoned his stricken fighter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Schmidt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Major Norman Schmidt (AFSN: 0-42819/1852653), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-104 Pilot near Dong Hai, North Vietnam, on 27 August 1966. On that date, while attacking a petroleum, oil and lubricants storage area, Major Schmidt pressed the attack in the face of intense ground fire, accurately placing his ordnance on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Schmidt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.