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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Dennis C. Fitzgerald, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 January 1967, Major Fitzgerald launched as Section Leader of a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft on a mission to support the helicopter extraction of a besieged Marine reconnaissance team near Dong Ha. A previous flight of aircraft had been forced to abort the mission due to the heavy overcast and a low fuel supply. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Major Fitzgerald unhesitatingly descended through the overcast in an attempt to locate the ground unit. At an altitude of 400 feet over the sea, the flight broke through the overcast and immediately headed inland. Utilizing his automatic direction finder, he quickly located the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) and was briefed on the friendly and enemy situation. Skillfully positioning his aircraft, he disregarded the intense enemy ground fire and commenced his first run. Although required by the low ceiling and hazardous terrain to modify his dive angle and air speed, he conducted repeated rocket and strafing runs within seventy-five meters of the Marine positions and was forced to execute evasive maneuvers to avoid the fragmentation pattern of his own ordnance. Largely due to his resolute determination and the extreme precision of his ordnance and delivery, the helicopters were able to enter the zone and successfully extract the reconnaissance team. Major Fitzgerald’s courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.