Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    34th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1967

    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 Major Paul F. Koeltzow (AFSN: 0-46586), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 12 August 1967. On that date, Major Koeltzow led his force of twenty aircraft against the most heavily defended target complex in North Vietnam. Hampered by marginal weather, mechanical failures, and heavy and accurate hostile fire, Major Koeltzow led his force to the target, and although his aircraft was damaged by flak at the start of his bomb run, he overcame tremendous obstacles and continued his attack, destroying the target. Despite extensive damage to his aircraft, he engaged a flight of hostile aircraft and thwarted their imp-ending attack on a crippled F-105. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Koeltzow reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    34th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 23, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-2028 (November 17, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Paul F. Koeltzow (AFSN: 0-46586), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 23 August 1967. On that date, Major Koeltzow was a member of the lead flight in a force of thirty-two aircraft directed to attack and destroy a heavily defended rail yard located in the Republic of Vietnam. Despite repeated attacks by hostile aircraft, and an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire, Major Koeltzow placed his ordnance directly on the target, inflicting severe damage to the rail yard. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Koeltzow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    34th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 22, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1824 (October 25, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Paul F. Koeltzow (AFSN: 0-46586), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 22 May 1967. On that date, Major Koeltzow attacked and destroyed a heavily defended target. In deteriorating weather, which made target acquisition extremely difficult, and an attack by hostile aircraft, Major Koeltzow delivered his ordnance with unerring accuracy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Koeltzow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Paul F. Koeltzow (AFSN: 0-46586), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    34th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    June 30, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1390 (September 2, 1967)

    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 Major Paul F. Koeltzow (AFSN: 0-46586), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 30 June 1967. On that date, Major Koeltzow commanded a force of twenty F-105 aircraft assigned to attack a heavily defended army barracks and storage area in North Vietnam. With calm determination, he led the force through surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft fire so intense that one aircraft was shot down and two others were damaged. After destroying the target, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he refueled his flight and returned to provide fighter cover for the downed pilot until he was successfully rescued. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Koeltzow has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    34th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 4, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1851 (October 28, 1967)

    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 to Major Paul F. Koeltzow (AFSN: 0-46586), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 4 August 1967. On that date, Major Koeltzow was a member of a flight of F-105’s ordered to strike the anti-aircraft defenses surrounding an important target complex located near Hanoi, North Vietnam. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire that violently buffeted his aircraft, Major Koeltzow pressed his attack and released his ordnance, destroying an entrenched gun emplacement. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Koeltzow reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.