Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Kenneth
Roy
Crist
KIA (RVN)
August 25, 1944

–

November 28, 1968

Born:

Goodland

, 

Kansas

Home:

Brewster

, 

Kansas

Buried: 

Colorado Springs

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery

Kenneth Crist graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1966. He died of burns suffered when his aircraft crashed in flames in Vietnam.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    September 24, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-395 (January 28, 1969)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 [then First Lieutenant] Kenneth Roy Crist (AFSN: FR-3194990), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-4D Fighter Aircraft of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 24 September 1968. Captain Crist flew his aircraft at dusk in a mountainous area under extremely poor weather conditions to assist beleaguered friendly troops about to be overrun by hostile forces. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Crist flew his aircraft with exemplary precision and gallantry, despite receiving crippling battle damage, to provide relief for the friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Crist has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Airman’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    November 28, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-395 (January 28, 1969)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Airman’s Medal (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Kenneth Roy Crist (AFSN: FR-3194990), United States Air Force, for heroism not involving voluntary risk of life in South Vietnam, on 28 November 1968. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Crist reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.