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 Karl F. Pfitzer, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Pfitzer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander during an urgent medical evacuation mission. After monitoring an emergency radio call from a unit that was under attack and requesting a medical evacuation of three critically wounded Allied soldiers, Captain Pfitzer volunteered to make the evacuation. When he contacted the unit, he was advised that they were in heavy contact and receiving intense small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire. He recommended that the gun team engage the enemy until he completed the evacuation, but due to the close proximity of the enemy troops, the gunships were unable to fire into the area. Knowing he would be confronted with heavy fire in the landing zone, Captain Pfitzer elected to attempt the evacuation. Although the ground unit advised that they were pinned down by hostile fire, Captain Pfitzer continued his approach into the small unimproved landing zone. Due to many obstacles the aircraft had to remain at a hover. While the wounded were being loaded aboard, several grenade and mortar rounds exploded near the landing zone. After remaining in the landing zone until all the wounded were aboard, he skillfully maneuvered out of the area. His expert airmanship and great personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, his unit and the United States Army.

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 Captain Karl F. Pfitzer, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Pfitzer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as air mission commander for a flood relief operation in the DaNang area. By the morning of 30 October, flood waters, caused by tropical storm Kate, had imperiled the civilian and military population of Quang Nam province and the steady rains continued to create a more precarious situation. During the three exhausting days of rescue and relief, Captain Pfitzer directed a multitude of helicopters from the Vietnamese Air Force, the United States Marines, as well as those of his own and other Army units in the besieged area and took a very active part by personally saving many of the helpless people. Under his direction, the combined forces rescued several thousand Vietnamese civilians that would surely have perished in the wake of the strong winds and the torrents of rain that accompanied the storm as it moved inland. Captain Pfitzer’s high degree of heroism and outstanding leadership are evidenced by his braving the extremely adverse weather conditions and by the successful deployment of many aircraft from various units into areas that were unknown to them. Through the outstanding judgment and unparalleled courage, Captain Pfitzer contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His outstanding flying ability unsurpassed leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.