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 Captain Arlo P. Wenstrand, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller with the 4th Infantry Division near Plei Djereng, Republic of Vietnam on 12 and 13 November 1966. On these dates, Captain Wenstrand made three extremely hazardous flights in support of ground forces who were under heavy attack and outnumbered by hostile forces. Despite continuous anti-aircraft fire, he made numerous slow passes over the unfriendly positions throughout the night. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he exposed himself to ground fire and used the muzzle flashes to determine their exact position, and then controlled fighter strikes against them. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wenstrand reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.orgThe 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 Arlo P. Wenstrand, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Flight Lead and F-100 Fighter Pilot near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on 28 June 1967. On that date, Captain Wenstrand responded from the alert facility at Phu Cat Air Base and led his flight in support of friendly ground forces. He made numerous low altitude attacks upon intense ground firing positions, delivering his ordnance with deadly accuracy, and significantly reduced the hostile fire capability. Despite intense ground fire and the close proximity of friendly ground forces, Captain Wenstrand inflicted considerable damage to the hostile positions and contributed significantly to the friendly ground forces’ overwhelming victory. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wenstrand reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.