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 Larry B. Mason (AFSN: 0-3102518), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a B-57 tactical jet bomber near An Phong, Republic of Vietnam on 14 April 1966. On that date, Captain Mason flew as lead aircraft of a three ship formation on a composite mission, providing air cover for three C-123’s on a special mission, and a direct air support mission in relief of a company of Republic of Vietnam soldiers being attacked by a large force of Viet Cong. Despite intense ground fire encountered on both elements of the mission, Captain Mason unhesitatingly led the attack without regard for his own safety, causing in the first case the successful completion of the C-123 mission and secondly of putting to rout the Viet Cong, by making repeated low level incendijel attacks and bombing passes, allowing the Republic of Vietnam forces to regroup and attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mason reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
8th Tactical Bomber SquadronDivision:
Clark Air Base, Philippine IslandsAction Date:
April 14, 1966
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
8th Tactical Bomber SquadronDivision:
Clark Air Base, Philippine IslandsAction Date:
March 15, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Larry B. Mason (AFSN: 0-3102518), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an Aircraft Commander of a B-57 tactical jet bomber of the 8th Tactical Bomber Squadron, Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands, in action on 15 March 1966. On that date, while attacking a heavily defended target, Captain Mason’s aircraft was hit repeatedly by 57-mm. and 37-mm. shells which set fire to the right engine and created extreme vibration in the left engine. One shell exploded in the rear cockpit, wounding the navigator and severing a section of wiring which deprived the crew of most electrical power. Wind, blasting through a large hole in the fuselage, scattered dirt and debris around the cockpit temporarily blinding Captain Mason. As he regained his sight, he realized that a safe bailout could not be affected because of the wounded navigator’s condition. With one engine shut down and the other on fire, and with approximately 30 square feet of surface missing from the right wing, Captain Mason, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, attempted the return flight to his home base. Flight conditions were further hampered by inoperative radios, no hydraulic pressure or oxygen, severe airframe vibration, and no indication of gear position or fuel level. Through outstanding airmanship, he piloted his crippled aircraft to a safe landing in friendly territory. By his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Mason reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.