The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Donald H. Duggan (AFSN: 0-3056239), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 Navigator in Southeast Asia on 17 January 1969. On that date, Captain Duggan led a formation of unarmed UC-123 defoliation aircraft on a hazardous low-level mission designed to uncover a heavily traveled hostile supply route. Although the already dangerous nature of this target was compounded by the presence of large numbers of unfriendly forces in the area, Captain Duggan, in an exemplary display of courage and determination, led his formation, at tree-top level, through intensive anti-aircraft fire and placed the defoliant precisely as briefed. Despite the hostile force’s desperate defense of this target, Captain Duggan successfully completed this mission and in so doing, uncovered the hostile forces to aerial observation and subsequent tactical fighter strikes. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Duggan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Donald H. Duggan (AFSN: 0-3056239), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia in July 1968.

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 Captain Donald H. Duggan (AFSN: 0-3056239), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 Lead Navigator near Quang Ngai, Republic of Vietnam, on 13 July 1968. On that date, Captain Duggan was leading a flight of unarmed aircraft on a low-level defoliation mission against a hostile base camp and supply area, when his flight encountered severe and accurate ground fire. Despite the fact that his aircraft was severely damaged, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Duggan accurately directed his formation through this hazardous environment, placed the defoliant precisely on target, and by so doing, denied vital jungle cover to the hostile forces in the area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Duggan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.