AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-1E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas A. Dwelle for heroism as an A-1E pilot of the 602nd Fighter Squadron (Commando), Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam during the night of 20 November 1965. On that date, Captain Dwelle successfully led a flight of two A-1E’s against the Viet Cong who had ambushed a battalion sized convoy of the 173rd Infantry Brigade. Before the flare ship could arrive on scene, the Army called for an airstrike on mortars and recoilless rifles that were methodically wiping out the convoy. Attacking in the face of intense ground fire that included small arms, .50 caliber machine guns, and air bursting mortars, Captain Dwelle turned the tide of battle by dropping his bombs within 150 meters and strafing within 50 meters of the convoy. The outstanding heroism, selfless devotion to duty, aerial skill and aggressive leadership displayed by Captain Dwelle reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.