Page 82 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

WAYNE ALAN SKAGGS
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Wayne Alan Skaggs, United States Naval Reserve for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while attached to and serving with Fighter Squadron FIFTY- ONE embarked on USS HANCOCK (CVA-19), engaged in combat operations in Southeast Asia on 19 June, 1967. Designated as a wingman in a four plane flak suppression division assigned to attack anti- aircraft artillery sites in support of a coordinated Air Wing strike on the Hai Duong Railroad Yards, North Vietnam, Lieutenant (junior grade) Skaggs assumed the lead of a two plane element subsequent to
launch when his leader’s aircraft navigational equipment failed. As the strike force approached the target area, Lieutenant (junior grade) Skaggs accelerated his element ahead to attack their pre-assigned targets. Taken under fire by numerous surface-to-air missiles and heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant (junior grade) Skaggs deftly maneuvered his element to counter the missiles and avoid the flak. Through superb airmanship he successfully avoided the missiles and pressed on to his target. Approaching his roll-in point, still under intense fire, Lieutenant (junior grade) Skaggs noted thattwoseriouscombatlimitingmalfunctionshadoccurredtohisaircraft. Hisafterburnernozzleswouldnotclosewhen he de-selected the afterburner position until he reduced his throttle below the full basic engine setting, considerably reducing available engine thrust. Additionally, his emergency ram air turbine activated and fell out to operating position whichmarkedlyreducedaircraftacceleration,therebyreducinghismaximumrangeby18percent. Despitethishandicap and in complete disregard for his own personal safety, he executed a devastating attack on an active flak site, silencing it. This act of heroism contributed immeasurably to the success of the attack and safe retirement of all strike aircraft without loss. On his retirement Lieutenant (junior grade) Skaggs, handicapped by his aircraft’s malfunctions, became critically low on fuel and inflight refueled from a waiting A3 tanker aircraft as he crossed the enemy coast with only ten minutes of fuel remaining. The loyalty, courage, professional airmanship, and devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant (junior grade) Skaggs were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
82 / DFCS News Magazine / SUMMER 2020