AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert L. Grittner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Electronic Warfare Officer over Laos on 7 January 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 21 hostile supply vehicles, the creation of numerous secondary fires and secondary explosions. He detected, tracked and validated hostile targets, coped with violent maneuvers to avoid antiaircraft fire, provided electronic defense and thereby made these extraordinary mission results possible. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Grittner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Major Robert L. Grittner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Electronic Warfare Officer over Laos on 14 February 1972. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 14 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of ten secondary fires and explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 166 rounds of hostile antiaircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Grittner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.