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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 Terry Jan Guess (AFSN: FR-62612), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller and Air Liaison Officer, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, in action near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 September 1967. On that date, Captain Guess was flying his O-1 aircraft in support of a reconnaissance patrol heavily engaged with a large hostile force. Due to mountainous terrain and low, overcast cloud cover and rain showers, the fighter aircraft were having difficulty locating and suppressing hostile ground fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Guess held directly over the friendly position at tree top level using his aircraft as an aim point for the fighters while drawing hostile fire thereby exposing them to attacks from the fighter aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Guess has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    and Air Liaison Officer, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, in action

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-606 (February 24, 1968)

    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 Terry Jan Guess (AFSN: FR-62612), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller and Air Liaison Officer, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, in action near Plei Do Lim Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 1 October 1967. On that date, despite extremely adverse weather conditions and intense hostile automatic weapons fire, Captain Guess, from an H-23 helicopter, successfully directed tactical air power against a large hostile force resulting in its destruction and the capture of an unprecedented amount of new weapons and equipment. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Guess reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.