Page 59 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2018-2

James D. Harford
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James D. Harford for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Commander, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield,
Thailand, on 29 December 1972. On that date, Captain
Harford was flying on a high priority mission against a
heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite the
hazards presented by numerous surface-to-air missiles,
Captain Harford released his ordnance precisely on target and safely egressed from the high threat area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Harford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
James W. Fletcher
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Specialist Four James W. Fletcher for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Fletcher distinguished himself on 21 March 1971 while serving as Medic of an unarmed UH-1H medical evacuation helicopter, Dustoff 942, during an emergency extraction mission in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fletcher volunteered to attempt the hoist extraction despite known enemy concentrations in the area. On the first attempt to make the extraction, his aircraft was
forced away by enemy fire. As the aircraft hovered for a second attempt, it was disabled by enemy fire and crashed into the steep hillside. Specialist Fletcher cut himself loose and left the now burning aircraft, sustaining serious burns. Although in intense pain he refused medical aid and avoided pursuing enemy troops to reach an open landing zone where the crew was rescued. Specialist Four Fletcher’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Joseph C. Kinego
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Joseph C. Kinego for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander on 7 July 1973 in the area of Saravane, Laos. On that date Captain Kinego planned and flew a highly dangerous reconnaissance mission
to determine enemy troop movements and gun emplacements along the lines of communication in southern Laos. Despite the threat of heavy enemy reaction, Captain
Kinego obtained excellent pictures which provided higher headquarters with much needed intelligence data. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kinego reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
60 / DFCS News Magazine / WINTER 2018