AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert H. Danell (then Second Lieutenant), 25th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter Interceptor Group, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 2 December 1950. On that date, First Lieutenant Danell aggressively led an element in a flight of four (4) F-80's on an extremely successful close support mission in the area of Kaechon, Korea. United Nations ground forces were being held up by a series of enemy road blocks and were under intense enemy fire from the surrounding ridges when, despite advancing darkness and adverse weather conditions, First Lieutenant Danell located the enemy positions and led his element in repeated successful rocket and strafing attacks. Regardless of the fact that the flight was under heavy fire from enemy artillery, First Lieutenant Danell pressed home his attacks dispatching his rockets and fifty (50) caliber guns with telling effect killing or wounding an extremely large number of enemy troops and destroying three (3) enemy gun positions. First Lieutenant Danell's calm judgment and devotion to duty displayed upon this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.