Not a MOH but my 1st DFC as a downgraded Silver Star submission,I had 2 such of 5 DFC’s when Saigon would say let’s cut back on these things with exact same criteria involved. Just change Gallantry with Heroism. About same as much at the Puzzle Palace .

Citation to accompany the award of

The Distinguished Flying Cross

TO

DON I PHILLIPS

Captain Don I Phillips distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as Navigator -Bombardier of
a tactical jet bomber Near Dong Hoi and Hue, Republic of Vietnam on 24 July 1966. On that date , Captain Phillips
coordinated a hazardous bombing attack against a heavily defended road junction and a truck park near Dong Hoi.
After an accurate attack in the face of intense radar controlled anti-aircraft fire, he participated in low level strafing
attack on hostile forces engaged in close combat with friendly units near Hue. Despite heavy automatic weapons and
small arms fire, he continued the attack with complete disregard for his own safety , directing his pilot in attacks on
hostile positions as close as 40 meters to the friendly lines . The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty
displayed by Captain Phillips reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Really was 105 US and S Viet Marines trapped on W side of Hiway 1 tree lines . We just roared tree tops with popping a few guns and jet blast
over and over as a 2 shipper. Could not expend it all or they’d realize we were winchester and rush them trying to scurry cross the 2 lane . Meant we’d alternate going thru dry by radio chat. Finally got them all on their way to the beach a mile away and waiting transport to the landing force ships . Were a lot more N Viet regulars than intel had estimated. Long time later in the early 80’s my Congressman Frank Tejeda said it sounded familiar so could have been his mixed force platoon that day.