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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major Dennis Gerard Pugh, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Weapons System Operator, 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 2 March 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Pugh performed extremely accurate and timely Long Range Radio Navigation System programming which enabled his flight to successfully deliver classified ordnance along a hostile line of communications. After successful high-speed/low-level delivery of the classified ordnance, Lieutenant Pugh located a hostile antiaircraft gun position, enabling his flight to damage the weapon in a single dive bombing pass. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Pugh reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    25th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    March 19 – 21, 1970

    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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Dennis Gerard Pugh, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Southeast Asia, from 19 March 1970 to 21 March 1970. During this period, while serving as a Weapons Systems Operator, 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, Lieutenant Pugh unselfishly and heroically risked his life while assisting search and rescue forces in the successful rescue of his aircraft commander. Even though he was unarmed and continuously surrounded by hostile forces, who were at times within ten meters of his position, he continued to expose himself to possible death or capture in order to locate hostile antiaircraft artillery positions, and direct he efforts of the rescue forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Pugh has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.