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 George T. Deken (AFSN: FR-71932), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a T-28 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 31 July 1967. On that date, Captain Deken, flying a highly vulnerable, vintage T-28 aircraft on a night armed reconnaissance, attacked a hostile convoy of supply-laden vehicles, destroying three, damaging others, and causing ten secondary explosions along the road in addition to destroying a hostile automatic weapon position. In an aggressive, slashing attack on the convoy, Captain Deken dove again and again through heavy, accurate defensive fire, working under flares at low altitude in bad weather, and tenaciously completed his mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Deken reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainAction Date:
December 1, 1966 – November 8, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain George T. Deken (AFSN: FR-71932), United States Air Force, for meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia from 1 December 1966 to 8 November 1967. During this period, he consistently demonstrated his professional ability, sound judgment, and great enthusiasm to overcome the many involved problems associated with countering aggression. His superb performance and significant contributions assisted materially in the success and effectiveness of United States military operations in Southeast Asia. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Deken reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
606th Air Commando SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand,Action Date:
January 10, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2198 (December 9, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain George T. Deken (AFSN: FR-71932), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a member of the 606th Air Commando Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 10 January 1967. On that date, Captain Deken, a T-28 fighter pilot, came to the aid of a forward air controller aircraft and attacked one of the heaviest, hostile, defensive concentrations ever engaged by a prop-driven aircraft in this theater. After the safe withdrawal of the controller aircraft, Captain Deken, electing to continue the attack to mark the target for jet strike aircraft, continued striking until his ordnance was exhausted and the jet aircraft were over head. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Deken has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
December 6, 1973 – June 30, 1975
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel George T. Deken (AFSN: FR-71932), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Training and Logistics Detachment, Deputy for Training and Logistics, United States Military Assistance Command, Thailand, from 6 December 1972 to 30 June 1975. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Deken were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of the Military Assistance Program in Cambodia, and the United States interests in Southeast Asia. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Deken reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Department of the Air Force, Special Orders GB-80 (April 6, 1965)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain George T. Deken (AFSN: FR-71932), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Advisor-Pilot to the Vietnamese Air Force over the Republic of Vietnam on 19 October 1963. On that date, Captain Deken voluntarily led a flight of T-28 fighter-bombers on a mission to relieve a unit of friendly forces under heavy attack by the Viet Cong. Despite deteriorating weather conditions and diminishing visibility, Captain Deken demonstrated outstanding judgment and unsurpassed knowledge of air tactics in directing the attack which severely weakened the Viet Cong position causing their withdrawal. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Deken reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.