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 Paul L. Chesley (AFSN: FV-3087539), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Electronic Warfare Officer of an F-105 Thunderchief in Southeast Asia on 29 January 1967. On that date, Captain Chesley displayed great courage after his flight leader had been shot down. In spite of the intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, Captain Chesley succeeded in neutralizing the threat posed by several surface-to-air missile sites thereby allowing the main strike force to successfully destroy their target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Chesley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Paul L. Chesley (AFSN: FV-3087539), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Electronics Warfare Officer of an F-105 Thunderchief “Wild Weasel” in Southeast Asia on 19 April 1967. On that date, Captain Chesley was a member of a surface-to-air missile suppression flight whose mission was to protect a large strike force of fighter-bombers from surprise interception by surface-to-air missiles. As Captain Chesley approached the heavily defended target area, he was attacked by eight hostile aircraft. Because of an afterburner malfunction, the F-105 Thunderchief was not able to perform in its maximum speed and maneuvering range. Captain Chesley provided timely warning concerning the attacking aircraft that allowed the pilot to concentrate on maneuvering the aircraft to evade attack. After successfully evading the attacking aircraft without damage, Captain Chesley continued to give surface-to-air missile warnings to the strike flight while returning to orbit in a high threat area as the pilot relayed vital information concerning a downed aircrew member. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Chesley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.