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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 First Lieutenant Warren E. J. Petritsch, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Navigator in Southeast Asia on 11 January 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Petritsch was at Song Be in support of Operation “San Angelo”” when a mortar attack commenced. With total disregard for his own safety in the face of hostile fire, he assisted in the evacuation of his aircraft from the field, saving it and its cargo from damage or destruction. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by lieutenant Petritsch 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:

    September 5, 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 First Lieutenant Warren E. J. Petritsch, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as C-130E Navigator near Qui Nhon, Republic of Vietnam on 5 September 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Petritsch was flying a vital combat support mission against an armed unfriendly ground force. While airborne his crew was notified that a United States Army Otter aircraft was hopelessly lost and extremely low on fuel. With great determination and superior airmanship, Lieutenant Petritsch directed his aircraft and crew around mountainous terrain through marginal weather to locate the lost Army aircraft and led it safely back to its home base. He thus saved a valuable aircraft and the lives of its crew. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Petritsch reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.