Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 20, 1968

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 Lieutenant Colonel John H. Wehe, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Navigator near Kontum, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 June 1968. On that date, Colonel Wehe was flying a load of volatile cargo on a combat airdrop mission in marginal weather over a rugged area infested with hostile ground forces. A thunderstorm prevented the drop from being completed, and turbulent caused a magnesium igniter to be activated, setting the cargo compartment aflame. Within forty seconds Colonel Wehe had plotted a heading permitting the cargo to be jettisoned without hazard to friendly ground forces. The cargo was jettisoned and exploded seconds later without damage to the aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty, displayed by Colonel Wehe reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.