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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 to Major Dale B. Dawson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot in Southeast Asia on 16 November 1967. On that date, Major Dawson was a member of a flight of 3 F-100 aircraft that provided immediate close air support for United States Army units engaged in heavy contact with a large North Vietnamese Army force in the Battle of Dak To. Confronted with intense hostile ground fire and with friendly forces in close proximity to his target, Major Dawson responded with multiple, extremely accurate and timely ordnance deliveries in support of the beleaguered friendly ground forces. His outstanding courage, aggressive determination, and unerring accuracy saved many American lives and contributed significantly to the free world forces victory achieved at Dak To. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dawson 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:

    August 24, 1967
    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 to Major Dale B. Dawson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot over South Vietnam on 24 August 1967. On that date, Major Dawson responded to a request for immediate close air support of friendly forces who were under attack by a large hostile force. Flying under a low overcast sky with visibility severely restricted by rain showers and in mountainous terrain, he delivered his ordnance with deadly accuracy despite intense ground fire and the close proximity of friendly ground forces. Major Dawson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, accomplished repeated, accurate, low-level attacks in defense of the beleaguered friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dawson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.