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 John L. Kretz, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 August 1968. On that date, Captain Kretz’s flight of F-100s was sent in support of a friendly ground force, which urgently needed aid. The hostile forces occupied a relatively advantageous position on a mountain side and, although a solid cloud layer obscured the mountain from just above their position and rain made it impossible to keep their position, in sight, Captain Kretz repeatedly acquired and attacked the hostile forces. Despite overwhelming difficulties in acquiring and approaching the target and extremely hazardous escape parameters, he placed all ordnance exactly on target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Kretz has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain John L. Kretz, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force over Southeast Asia on 21 December 1968. On that date, as a F-100F Forward Air Controller, he located a downed aircrew member in a heavily defended area. While under continuous fire from numerous hostile antiaircraft positions he marked the firing sites and controlled suppressive fighter strikes. His exemplary skill and courage resulted in the silencing of the hostile defenses and enabled the rescue helicopter to successfully extract the downed airman. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Kretz has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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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 John L. Kretz, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot near Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 January 1969. On that date, Captain Kretz was flying wing in a flight of two F-100 aircraft sent in support of a friendly unit which was under heavy assault by a hostile force of superior number. Severe obstructions to finding and attacking the hostile positions were created by very low hanging clouds and heavy haze. Nevertheless, Captain Kretz attacked the hostile position again and again with devastating effect in the face of hostile fire until the effort to expend all his ordnance left him critically low on fuel. Thereafter, he accompanied his leader’s crippled fighter until the bail out and covered the downed pilot until rescue efforts arrived, permitting Captain Kretz to land on the meager fuel remaining. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kretz reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.