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 Lieutenant Colonel Harold Dean Shultz (AFSN: 0-22347), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1H Tactical Fighter Pilot in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 and 21 May 1968. On these dates, Colonel Shultz led and directed combat support missions which resulted in the rescue of a trapped and surrounded friendly ground force. Despite intense and accurate hostile fire directed against the fighters in his own flight and against the helicopters making the evacuation, Colonel Shultz and his flight delivered their ordnance with extreme accuracy within twenty meters of the friendly force in order to suppress hostile ground fire. Because of Colonel Shultz’ initiative, aggressiveness and leadership, the fleet of friendly helicopters was able to successfully complete the rescue of the trapped ground force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Shultz 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 with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Harold Dean Shultz (AFSN: 0-22347), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1H Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia, on 8 June 1968. On that date, Colonel Shultz led a flight of A-1 Skyraiders in support of a Search and Rescue mission for a downed pilot. In an extremely hazardous environment of heavy anti-aircraft weapons, Colonel Shultz pinpointed the survivor’s location. He then made numerous low-level attacks against hostile gun positions and directed other fighters in similar attacks. Although the Search and Rescue effort was called off as darkness fell, and the pilot was not rescued until the following day, it was the courageous and aggressive leadership of Colonel Shultz which was instrumental in protecting the downed pilot and affecting a successful rescue the next day. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Shultz reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.