AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-123

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert A. Curtis for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 co-pilot at Khe Sanh Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 22 January 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Curtis played an instrumental part in the delivery of vitally needed ammunition, and the evacuation of wounded Marines and Montagnard refugees at Khe Sanh. Khe Sanh Air Base was under a day and night Siege by hostile forces which had destroyed a portion of the runway, leaving it cratered and littered with debris. Through Lieutenant Curtis' efforts four missions were flown into the beleaguered base successfully. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Curtis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.