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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Burnett A. Hernes, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a KC-135 Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 4 July 1972. On that date, he left the relative safety of his refueling orbit and penetrated the dangerous environment of hostile airspace containing radar controlled anti-aircraft artillery and interceptors in his defenseless tanker to provide emergency fuel to a friendly fighter. His prompt response saved a valuable tactical aircraft and prevented the possible death or capture of its crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hernes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    November 1, 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 to First Lieutenant Burnett A. Hernes, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot, C-123K Provider, at Quan Long Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 1 November 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Hernes flew a combat-essential re-supply mission into that air strip, which was encircled with low ceilings and intense thunderstorm activity. Despite the loss of a jet engine, which resulted from hostile automatic weapons ground fire, Lieutenant Hernes’ thorough performance of his duties insured the safe landing and take-off from that battle-damaged runway and the successful completion of that re-supply mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hernes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.