The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN, embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during a major strike against a concealed MiG-17 aircraft and in an occupied surface-to-air missile site at Vinch, North Vietnam, on 16 May 1968. As Strike Leader, Commander Arnold displayed decisive leadership, initiative and rapid response in planning and executing the attack on these highly evasive targets. The ordnance and aircraft selected to carry out this attack were highly optimized to ensure maximum target destruction with a minimum number of aircraft being exposed to the heavy concentration of enemy defenses in the area. Leading the attack group so as to gain almost complete surprise in the heavily defended area, he placed his striking elements in perfect position for devastating attacks on their assigned targets. The strike resulted in complete destruction of the surface-to-air missile site and damage to the MiG aircraft. The gallantry and leadership displayed by Commander Arnold were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Jet Attack Pilot attached to and serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron TWENTY-TWO (VA-22), in the U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43), in Southeast Asia on 5 January 1967. As leader of a strike of three A-4C aircraft against the Thai Binh Highway Bridge, one of the major bridges along Highway 10, North Vietnam, Commander Arnold planned and briefed the mission to exploit deception and expediency en route and in the target area. The target, located on the main line of communication between Haiphong and Nam Dinh was protected by several known surface-to-air missile sites and high concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery and automatic weapons. Penetrating the coast line the flight feinted toward the complex at Nam Dinh. Utilizing high speed jinking in order to deter tracking by the area defenses, he led his flight to a position approximately three miles from the assigned target, changed course, and using a “pop-up” to obtain the optimum delivery altitude maneuvered his flight into position for a simultaneous attack. Superb tactical maneuvering by Commander Arnold enhanced tight flight integrity and enabled the expeditious delivery of all bombs. The minimum time in the target area degraded the enemy’s medium and heavy anti-aircraft artillery defensive capability and the only observed opposition was an inaccurate, moderate barrage in the area, encountered prior to rolling in. His bombs were observed to impact on the target forming a tremendous geyser of debris and water which obscured the entire northern half of the bridge. Photo reconnaissance showed that the northern two spans and their supporting pier of this major five-span bridge had been destroyed. Commander Arnold’s attention to detail in planning, meticulous briefing, superb airmanship, and extraordinary leadership were instrumental in the overall success of the assigned mission. His bravery in the face of enemy opposition, professional skill, and extraordinary bombing accuracy were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.