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 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.