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 Francis A. Kelley (AFSN: FV-934891), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force at A Shau, Republic of Vietnam on 9 March 1966. On that date, Captain Kelley, as Aircraft Commander of an unarmed and unarmored CH-3C Helicopter penetrated a two hundred foot ceiling and flew through intense hostile ground fire to a besieged and embattled Army Special Forces Camp situated in a narrow valley. Despite extreme hazards of mountainous terrain, murderous ground fire and exploding mortar shells, Captain Kelley landed within the compound to take aboard twenty-five critically wounded ARVN infantrymen and one seriously wounded United States Army Ranger. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Kelley has reflected 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
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 Francis A. Kelley (AFSN: FV-934891), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander of a CH-3C Helicopter over Southeast Asia on 6 May 1966. On that date, Captain Kelley was aircraft commander on an unarmed helicopter which recovered a crashed friendly aircraft from a hostile jungle area. Despite the possibility of ground fire and the limited clearing near the wreckage, the valuable airframe was safely returned to friendly territory. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kelley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.