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 with Combat “V” to Major Ernest Taso Scambos (AFSN: FR-28922), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Phong Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 13 April 1967. On that date, Major Scambos, as a Forward Air Controller, directed strikes against a well protected reinforced bunker system in support of friendly ground forces in heavy contact. He continuously flew low through smoke and accurate anti-aircraft machine gun fire to identify the friendly force position which were within 50 meters of the hostile position. Numerous casualties were inflicted upon the hostile forces during this engagement, without a single friendly fatality. The aggressive and courageous attacks led by Major Scambos turned a possible disaster into victory. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Scambos 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 Ernest Taso Scambos (AFSN: FR-28922), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Vi Thanh, Republic of Vietnam on 15 February 1967. On that date, Major Scambos tirelessly directed numerous air combat support missions in close support of friendly forces who were under attack by a larger opposing force. By his superior planning and superb control of the missions, while exposed to intense hostile fire, he pinpointed the most vital positions of the opposing force, destroying them and demoralizing the remainder, which proved to be the major factor contributing to the eventual overwhelming success of the operation. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Scambos reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.