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.

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 Karl F. Pfitzer, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. These men distinguished themselves by exceptionally valorous actions while serving aboard a transport helicopter. At great risk to their safety they landed at Fire Support Base Henderson with six passengers while receiving small arms fire from the surrounding ridges. Skillfully they managed to land the aircraft, discharge the passengers, pick up two wounded and evacuate them to the hospital in Quang Tri. Returning to the area to pick up more wounded, they were informed that a mortar attack had taken place and that the fire base was still receiving small arms and rocket fire. After loading 12 wounded soldiers aboard an, as the aircraft was lifting off, a rocket round went off under the tail of the helicopter turning the aircraft around. Using all their flying ability they quickly regained control of the aircraft and proceeded to the hospital. Their outstanding flying ability and courage while under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, their unit and the United States Army.