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 John E. Appel, United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 2 November 1971. On that date, Major Appel led a flight of two F-4E fighter-bombers into hostile territory to attack and destroy three separate targets. Despite marginal weather and incessant hostile ground fire, Major Appel successfully destroyed one truck, one storage area, and one road segment. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Appel 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 a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major John E. Appel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 11 September 1971. On that date, Major Appel led a flight of two F-4E fighter bombers against a heavily fortified storage and supply complex. Despite intense hostile ground fire and adverse weather conditions, with complete disregard for his own safety, Major Appel precisely delivered his ordinance on target, resulting in several secondary explosions and the destruction of numerous supply structures and bunkers, thus hampering the opposing force’s logistical and offensive capability. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Appel 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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major John E. Appel, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 6 November 1970. On that date, while conducting an air strike against a group of revetted anti-aircraft artillery sites Major Appel’s aircraft was struck by defending ground fire. Despite the threat to his life, Major Appel pressed the attack and successfully destroyed three hostile weapons. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Appel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.