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 Major Dale L. Eppinger (AFSN: 0-57371), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight over the Republic of Vietnam on 26 November 1968. On that date, Major Eppinger, as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1F Transport Helicopter, rescued the crew of a UH-1F Gunship Helicopter that had been shot down by a heavily armed hostile force. Disregarding the fact that no protective cover was available, Major Eppinger immediately landed his aircraft beside the downed aircraft to pick up its crew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Eppinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Major Dale L. Eppinger (AFSN: 0-57371), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Pilot near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 August 1968. Major Eppinger’s helicopter was called upon to rescue a six-man Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol which was under attack by a hostile force. Despite hostile ground fire, he maneuvered his helicopter into an opening in the tall jungle growth barely larger than the aircraft. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Eppinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.