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 Ernest R. Kerns, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Aerial Gunner near Thuong Duc, Republic of Vietnam, on 7 September 1971. On that date, Sergeant Kerns was highly instrumental in the rescue of an embattled friendly Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. Despite intense antiaircraft fire and extremely adverse flying conditions, Sergeant Kerns repeatedly directed his fire with extraordinary skill and courage. He effectively countered the antiaircraft fire to such an extent that unarmed helicopter troopships were able to rescue the patrol unharmed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kerns 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 Staff Sergeant Ernest R. Kerns, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Aerial Gunner near Tieu Atar, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 October 1971. On that date, Sergeant Kerns was instrumental in the rescue of a surrounded Long Range Reconnaissance Team deep in hostile territory. Despite heavy antiaircraft fire, Sergeant Kerns delivered his firepower with such accuracy and devastation, that the hostile fire was subdued and the entire team recovered. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kerns 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 to Staff Sergeant Ernest R. Kerns, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Aerial Gunner near DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 September 1971. On that date, Sergeant Kerns executed numerous firing passes against a hostile force in support of a friendly Long Range Reconnaissance team deep in hostile territory. Despite intense antiaircraft fire, the accurate and lethal firepower provided by Sergeant Kerns resulted in the rescue of the entire patrol. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kerns reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.