AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-123B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Owen L. Hitchings for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as C-123B Aircraft Commander at Dak Pek Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 30 September 1966. On that date, Captain Hitchings was flying a combat support mission against unfriendly ground forces. While airdropping vitally-needed supplies to the Special Forces Camp, he encountered automatic weapons fire, turbulence, and poor weather. Upon leaving the camp the aircraft was hit, losing an engine shortly thereafter. With great determination and superior airmanship, Captain Hitchings flew the damaged aircraft to Kontum where he adroitly and skillfully affected an emergency landing without further incident. Thereby saving his crew from injury and the aircraft from extensive damage. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hitchings reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.