AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard J. Deichl for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 25 May 1969, Captain Deichl launched as Wingman in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned the mission of providing close air support for a United States Army company that was heavily engaged in combat with a large hostile force near the Demilitarized Zone. Arriving over the designated area, he was briefed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) concerning the tactical situation and informed that the proximity of opposing forces would require precise ordnance delivery. Undaunted by approaching darkness and the difficulty of maneuvering his aircraft over the hazardous mountain terrain, Captain Deichl skillfully executed two low-altitude passes over the dangerous area to positively identify the target. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ignored the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his aircraft, as he fearlessly maneuvered his Phantom on repeated bombing runs and delivered all his ordnance upon the target with pinpoint accuracy to within thirty meters of the friendly positions. As a result of his flight's devastating attacks, the enemy was routed and three secondary fires and explosions were observed. A subsequent search of the area revealed the destruction of an enemy ammunition storage area containing a large supply of rockets. Captain Deichl's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.