(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.

(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.


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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.
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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.