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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 Staff Sergeant Barron C. Cornell, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1P Helicopter Aerial Gunner near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 April 1969. On that date, Sergeant Cornell’s crew provided fire support for eight hours to a long range reconnaissance patrol and the aircrew of a downed helicopter who were surrounded and in danger of being overrun by a large hostile force. Despite intense ground fire, he fired his minigun with such skill and accuracy, that the hostile attacks were frustrated enabling the patrol and crew to be rescued. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Cornell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Action Date:

    March 30, 1969
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 Staff Sergeant Barron C. Cornell, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Aerial Gunner near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 March 1969. On that date, Sergeant Cornell was called upon to aid in the rescue of a long range reconnaissance patrol which was under attack by a large hostile force. Despite the extremely hazardous conditions and hostile ground fire, Sergeant Cornell was able to twice direct the pilot into the landing zone and suppress the hostile gun fire with his M-60 machine gun, thus effecting the patrol’s rescue. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Cornell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.