AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard M. Clark Jr. for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Pilot for the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at An Loc, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 April 1972. On that date, Captain Clark flew a low level tactical emergency airdrop of critically needed ammunition and supplies to a besieged concentration of allied forces located in a heavily defended hostile area. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and intense automatic weapons activity, using high risk tactics developed for this specific operation, Captain Clark, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, successfully delivered his cargo. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Clark reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard M. Clark for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Pilot for the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Kontum Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 May 1972. On that date, while on an emergency resupply mission delivering badly needed fuel and supplies to the besieged forces defending the city, he encountered intense ground fire on final approach. Despite a mortar attack causing damage to his aircraft, Captain Clark was able to deliver his cargo and evacuate a load of refugees from this hostile area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Clark reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.