AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert D. Chandler for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Loadmaster at Bu Dop Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 17 December 1969. On that date, Sergeant Chandler was engaged in airlifting critically needed artillery and small arms ammunition to this forward airfield. In spite of extremely heavy automatic weapons ground fire the mission was accomplished, as scheduled. As a result, the security of this airfield and the surrounding area was maintained and another hostile effort was thwarted. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Chandler reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.