AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  O-1, O-2A, T-28

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Gene D. Hamner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 4 March 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Hamner flew into a designated high threat area to direct air strikes in support of allied troops besieged by hostile forces. Despite marginal weather conditions and in the face of intense ground fire, Lieutenant Hamner employed tactical air ordnance against these forces with such effectiveness and accuracy that further hostile offensive actions were prevented and the saving of numerous allied lives was insured. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hamner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.