Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Major Clarence H. Crotwell, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Tactical Fighter Pilot near Phan Thut in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 March 1970. On that date, Major Crotwell, flying out of Phan Rang, was called upon to support friendly forces engaged against an unknown size hostile force. Despite adverse weather conditions and intense ground fire, which had downed a helicopter just before the fighters arrived, Major Crotwell placed all ordnance directly on target, silencing the ground fire, destroying several weapons and fifteen structures, and contributed greatly to the success of the friendly operation. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Crotwell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    April 24 – 28, 1970
    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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Clarence H. Crotwell, Jr., United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia from 24 April 1970 to 28 April 1970. During this period, Major Crotwell was a member of a select group of volunteers who participated in a Top Secret, highly sensitive and exceptionally dangerous combat operation, aimed at the interdiction of hostile logistic lines. The success of this operation can be attributed directly to Major Crotwell’s willingness to seek out hostile forces and in the face of intense ground fire make multiple passes to ensure maximum target coverage. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Crotwell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.