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 First Lieutenant Donald S. Price (AFSN: 0-3121056), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Navigator over the Republic of Vietnam on 2 March 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Price and crew were tasked with an extremely hazardous night search and rescue mission for an American pilot who had bailed out of his battle damaged aircraft deep within hostile territory. Completely ignoring numerous dangers which made continuation of the mission impractical from the standpoint of their own safety, Lieutenant Price and crew doggedly persevered in a two hour search conducted at low level and without fighter cover although in close proximity to anti-aircraft gun emplacements. Their efforts were rewarded when they finally located and identified the downed airman and then directed other rescue forces, who had belatedly arrived over the scene, in making a successful recovery. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Price reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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:
First LieutenantBatallion:
33d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
November 1, 1965
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-235 (1965)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 First Lieutenant Donald S. Price (AFSN: 0-3121056), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Navigator over North Vietnam on 1 November 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Price was instrumental in effecting the safe and expeditious recovery of a United States Air Force RF-101 Pilot from hostile waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. Although heavy rain and restricted visibility were encountered in the hostile island group, Lieutenant Price’s navigational direction was so accurate that exact and immediate access to the recovery area was effected and prompt rescue of the downed pilot resulted. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Price reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
33d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
March 14, 1966
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-169 (June 28, 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 Donald S. Price (AFSN: 0-3121056), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 33d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, on Temporary Duty Assignment to DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, as Navigator aboard an HU-16B aircraft, in the Gulf of Tonkin, off shore of North Vietnam, on 14 March 1966. On that date, Captain Price participated in a successful rescue of the downed crew of an F-4C aircraft, in hostile waters. As they approached the area, the downed crew members were sighted. A determination was made that an open sea landing would be necessary to effect a successful rescue. At this time, a force of approximately 25 motorized sampans were observed heading toward the downed pilots. After a full stall landing was made and while they were maneuvering toward the nearest survivor, a heavy barrage of hostile gun fire was directed at the aircraft from the nearby sampans. Moments later, the aircraft was struck, exploded, and was almost immediately engulfed in flames. As the heat from the fire became intense, the crew was forced to abandon the aircraft. As Captain Price jumped into the water, he encountered the F-4C pilot who had discarded both his life raft and life jacket and was struggling to remain afloat. Captain Price towed the pilot on his back away from the burning aircraft and continued to render assistance while awaiting rescue. Several minutes later, helicopters arrived on the scene and Captain Price, although in great pain from multiple wounds received in the explosion, remained in the water to complete his mission of rescuing the downed F-4C pilot. He assisted the pilot into a sling and the helicopter departed. Captain Price was now the sole survivor in the water and artillery shells began to fall around him, preventing rescue by another helicopter. As he struggled into a nearby raft, the sampans began converging on him forcing him to re-enter the water and swim seaward. At this time, two F-4C aircraft and a helicopter arrived in the area. While the F-4Cs suppressed the hostile fire, the helicopter effected a successful rescue. By his extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and determination, Captain Price has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.