The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Richard Henry Kauffman, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Navigator in Laos on 5 February 1971. On that date, he took part in an air strike directed at the fiercely defended supply routes along the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail. Displaying exemplary courage in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire associated with each target, Major Kauffman steadfastly performed his duties as his crew relentlessly pressed the attack. Through his actions, thirty-three hostile vehicles were destroyed or damaged, nineteen secondary fires started, two secondary explosions ignited and large quantities of supplies destined for use against friendly forces destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kauffman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.



