AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Korea, Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) Laird Guttersen for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot with the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing on 4 September 1952. Flying as a wingman in a flight of four (4) F-51 type aircraft, Lieutenant Guttersen showed exceptional leadership and airmanship by navigating over hazardous mountainous terrain to attack a large freighter anchored near Chinnampo, Korea. Lieutenant Guttersen bombed and strafed with such accuracy that he is credited with two ( 1.) direct hits and the destruction of the ship, only leaving after it was gutted and burning. Lieutenant Guttersen then strafed and rocketed nearby enemy gun positions, scoring several hits. Though under constant small arms and automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Guttersen's determination and ability directly led to this flight being credited with one (1) ship gutted and burning, all docks and loading facilities in the target area destroyed, and three (3) gun positions damaged. As a result of this mission vital lubricants and supplies were destroyed, and the enemy's means of transportation seriously hampered. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Guttersen has brought 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 to Major Laird Guttersen for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam on 6 November 1967. On that date, Major Guttersen was flying a night armed reconnaissance mission against major truck routes of unfriendly forces, routes on which vital supplies for insurgents in South Vietnam were transported. Demonstrating superior airmanship and navigational skill, Major Guttersen succeeded in locating a large convoy of hostile trucks, and delivered his ordnance so as to halt their movement. The anti-aircraft defenses in the heavily defended area immediately brought Major Guttersen's aircraft under heavy and accurate fire. With little regard for his own personal safety, Major Guttersen attacked and effectively silenced two anti-aircraft emplacements, in addition to destroying a large quantity of the supplies in the trapped convoy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Guttersen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.