The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Charles Ben Ertle, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3059070), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Pilot in Southeast Asia on 5 January 1973. On that date, his crew was tasked with destroying an important interdiction target in a heavily defended hostile area. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, Major Ertle’s crew continued to attack and destroyed the target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Ertle reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 to Major Charles Ben Ertle, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3059070), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Kien Duc, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 September 1970. On that date, Major Ertle flew in support of a small friendly ground patrol in contact with a large hostile force. Despite intense ground fire and marginal weather, he repeatedly dove his unarmed aircraft low to mark the target for strike aircraft. Because of his actions, many lives were saved. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Ertle reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.