Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Alfred Quincy Campbell, III (AFSN: 2217K), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander of the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam, on 19 March 1968. On that date, Captain Campbell flew a very low altitude photographic reconnaissance mission to locate hostile defenses. Poor visibility made target acquisition and coverage extremely difficult. Although he was met with intense hostile antiaircraft fire and received a hit in the aircraft fuselage, Captain Campbell refused to turn back and precisely pinpointed the location of numerous hostile antiaircraft weapons positions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Campbell 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:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Division:

    Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    February 25, 1968

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2248 (September 6, 1969)

    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 Alfred Quincy Campbell, III (AFSN: 2217K), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander of the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, in action on 25 February 1968. On that date, Captain Campbell flew a night airborne alert reconnaissance sortie over priority one targets along a heavily defended hostile infiltration route. Smoke and haze made target acquisition in the mountainous terrain difficult and hazardous. Through calm determination and outstanding professionalism, Captain Campbell overcame serious sensor malfunctions and tactical maneuver limitations to acquire and photograph his targets. Although besieged with intense and accurate hostile antiaircraft fire, he proceeded, with complete disregard for his personal safety, to make repeated low altitude passes to obtain complete coverage of these important targets. His great courage enabled him to procure vital intelligence data on the disposition of hostile armed forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Campbell has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.