The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Terry Treloar Koonce (AFSN: FR-62659), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a T-28 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 606th Air Commando Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 28 November 1967. On that date, Captain Koonce departed on an armed reconnaissance mission. Immediately after takeoff, electrical smoke filled the cockpit and continued after all electrical equipment had been turned off, indicating a fire. Because he was flying over a populated area, he knew that releasing his ordnance would impose extreme danger upon lives and property of the civilian population. Despite the hazardous conditions involved, Captain Koonce accepted the personal dangers to himself and landed his burning aircraft safe and successfully. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Koonce reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
606th Air Commando SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 27, 1967
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 Captain Terry Treloar Koonce (AFSN: FR-62659), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a T-28 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 606th Air Commando Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 27 November 1967. On that date, Captain Koonce, while on an armed reconnaissance mission in hostile territory, conducted an aggressive, tenacious attack on several heavily laden supply vehicles. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Koonce attacked through intense and accurate ground fire, causing great destruction to the hostile forces’ supplies. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Koonce reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
606th Air Commando SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, ThailandAction Date:
November 15, 1967
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 Captain Terry Treloar Koonce (AFSN: FR-62659), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a T-28 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 606th Air Commando Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 15 November 1967. On that date, Captain Koonce, flying on an unarmed reconnaissance mission, located and destroyed several hostile forced vehicles and an ammunition storage area. Flying at night in poor weather and mountainous terrain, Captain Koonce, with complete disregard for his personal safety, dove repeatedly through the gunfire of numerous hostile forces to destroy vital supplies. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Koonce has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.