AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-123K, KC-135

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Burnett A. Hernes for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot, C-123K Provider, at Quan Long Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 1 November 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Hernes flew a combat-essential re-supply mission into that air strip, which was encircled with low ceilings and intense thunderstorm activity. Despite the loss of a jet engine, which resulted from hostile automatic weapons ground fire, Lieutenant Hernes' thorough performance of his duties insured the safe landing and take-off from that battle-damaged runway and the successful completion of that re-supply mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hernes 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 to Captain Burnett A. Hernes for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a KC-135 Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 4 July 1972. On that date, he left the relative safety of his refuelilng orbit and penetrated the dangerous environment of hostile airspace containing radar controlled anti-aircraft artillery and interceptors in his defenseless tanker to provide emergency fuel to a friendly fighter. His prompt response savid a valuable tactical aircraft and prevented the possible death or capture of its crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hernes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.