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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Donald L. Marx, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Ben Het Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 February 1969. On that date, hostile forces had launched a heavy artillery attack against the strategic camp placing the lives of the camp’s defenders in grave danger. Captain Marx immediately responded to the Camp Commander’s plea for help and courageously entered the known anti-aircraft environment in his unarmed light observation aircraft to search out the hostile positions. Through Captain Marx’s heroic efforts the positions were located and later under his command were destroyed thereby preventing further destruction and saving the lives of many of the camp’s defenders. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Marx has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Donald L. Marx, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Marx reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Dak To Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
March 24, 1969
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 Captain Donald L. Marx (AFSN: 0-3158725), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 March 1969. On that date, Captain Marx displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of this officer to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military objectives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Marx reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Dak To Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
November 12, 1968
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-689 (September 26, 1969)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 Donald L. Marx (AFSN: 0-3158725), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of an O-2 aircraft of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, serving as Tactical Air Liaison Officer with the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (U.S. Army), in action near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 November 1968. On that date, Captain Marx was flying in an unarmed observation aircraft and was responsible for the safe evacuation of friendly forces under extremely heavy hostile fire. He repeatedly exposed himself to intense anti-aircraft fire while locating hostile gun positions directed at the beleaguered force. He voluntarily made repeated passes into the hostile environment to divert fire from the friendly forces and other support aircraft, thereby saving the lives of many friendly soldiers. By his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Captain Marx reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Dak To Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
January 1, 1969
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 Donald L. Marx (AFSN: 0-3158725), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Plei Do Lim, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 January 1969. On that date, Captain Marx supported an American assault on a heavily fortified hostile base camp area. Disregarding intense anti-aircraft fire directed at his unarmed aircraft he enthusiastically pressed his rocket deliveries, at times flying low over the target making tight turns identifying the exact location of hostile positions for the fighter pilots. His eagerness to accomplish the mission despite extremely hazardous conditions resulted in the complete destruction of the base camp and dealt a crippling blow to hostile operations in the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Marx reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.