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 Kenneth H. Sellers (AFSN: 0-56287), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, in action at Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 January 1968. On that date, in conjunction with the Tet Offensive, a large, well-equipped hostile force entered the city, intent on overrunning military installations and releasing a large contingent of hostile captives contained in the local prison. The hostiles’ entrenched positions prevented reinforcements from reaching the battle areas where friendly forces were in dire need of support. Captain Sellers, despite great personal risk from heavy machine gun and automatic weapons fire, repeatedly attacked hostile positions in an O-2 aircraft armed with high explosive rockets. He systematically silenced three machine gun positions and neutralized two fortified hostile companies, thereby preventing the annihilation of beleaguered friendly units. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Sellers reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
January 29, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1473 (September 22, 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 Captain Kenneth H. Sellers (AFSN: 0-56287), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Song Mao, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 January 1967. On that date, Captain Sellers repeatedly questioned the validity of a target on which he was preparing to direct a pro-planned tactical air support mission. After considerable deliberation, the target coordinates were found to be in error and Captain Sellers, after receiving the proper target coordinates, directed tactical air support on this target, destroying a hostile harassment squad and its leader. By his quick thinking, excellent judgment, and determination in the face of a highly irregular situation, Captain Sellers saved the lives of many friendly civilians, prevented a costly error from being made, and still accomplished his mission effectively. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sellers reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
January 27, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-897 (June 23, 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 Captain Kenneth H. Sellers (AFSN: 0-56287), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller near Phan Thiet, Republic of Vietnam on 27 January 1967. On that date, Captain Sellers answered a call for help from a Special Forces Company that was out of ammunition and in heavy contact with two companies of a hostile force. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of heavy automatic weapons fire, Captain Sellers made repeated passes on the hostile emplacements while directing artillery and tactical air strikes. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Sellers has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.