The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Charles J. Sweeney, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19). On the afternoon of 6 September 1972, Lieutenant Commander Sweeney was the leader of a division of armed reconnaissance aircraft on a mission into North Vietnam. One of his wingman s aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and immediately burst into flames, however he was not forced to eject until three miles out to sea. Lieutenant Commander Sweeney immediately took charge of the situation, initiating the downed pilot’s rescue and calling in additional aircraft to suppress the now-intense anti-aircraft fire emanating from the numerous shore batteries and to lead the rescue helicopter in to the survivor. Despite the poor weather, gathering darkness and withering fire, the pilot was rescued safely. Lieutenant Commander Sweeney’s bravery and calm decision-making while under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander Charles J. Sweeney, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Charles J. Sweeney, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron TWO TWELVE embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19). On 13 September 1972, Lieutenant Commander Sweeney was assigned as leader of a division of aircraft, an element of a major air wing strike into Southeast Asia. The target consisted of a railroad yard and trans-shipment point heavily defended by two lethal surface-to air missile sites and numerous anti-aircraft artillery sites. En route to the target, Lieutenant Commander Sweeney was forced to lead his division in violent maneuvers to escape several surface-to-air missiles which were tracking the flight. Finding his target partially under water, Lieutenant Commander Sweeney quickly reassigned his division’s aim point and while dodging heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire commenced his roll-in. Smoothly tracking his target, he proceeded to place his ordnance into the area with such accuracy as to cause numerous explosions and sustained fires to be ignited. Pulling off target, the flight was met by still more anti-aircraft fire and several more surface-to-air missiles all of which were safely evaded. Lieutenant Commander Sweeney’s aerial skill and courage in the face of the enemy reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.