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 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 Bu Prang Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 October 1970. On that date, a United States Special Forces Patrol was overrun. Major Ertle displayed courage and tenacity as he fired into the hostile positions making repeated passes to harass the hostile force. Major Ertle’s heroic actions were instrumental in disorganizing the heavily armed hostile force and making re-supply of the friendly forces possible. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Ertle reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.