AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard T. Jeffreys for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Pilot at Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam on 25 March 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Jeffreys was assigned a combat essential mission to airlift ground troops and equipment out of Khe Sanh at the close of Operation Lam Son 719. Although Khe Sanh was under heavy rocket and mortar attack all during day, Lieutenant Jeffreys and his crew made four sorties into the short assault strip, repeatedly exposing themselves to hostile fire in order to complete their mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Jeffreys reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.