AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Philip R. Hoge for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Hoge conducted numerous Engineer Reconnaissance missions during the period March 1968 to February 1969. During the cited period, he conducted Heliborne Road Reconnaissance several times each week, flying at tree-top level over virtually every road within the 1st Infantry Division Tactical Area of Responsibility. Often his aircraft drew hostile fire, but Major Hoge would continue, disregarding his own safety to accomplish each critical Engineer Mission. On at least two occasions, after being advised of enemy troop concentrations in the vicinity of friendly ground positions, he directed his craft toward the enemy locations and provided aerial fire support to counterinsurgency ground action. On several missions, Major Hoge found it necessary to land his aircraft in otherwise inaccessible, enemy-dominated territory to give command guidance and assistance. As a result of Major Hoge's great duty consciousness and personal courage in the conduct of aerial reconnaissance, crucial lines of communication were consistently surveyed and monitored. Major Hoge's contributions to the Allied counterinsurgency effort in the Republic of Vietnam and his extraordinary actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.