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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Paul Katsuki for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander at Hue/Phu Bai Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 12 February 1970. During a night landing in bad weather on a runway shortened by construction, number four propeller failed to reverse and the aircraft veered sharply to the left. To keep from going off the narrow runway, Captain Katsuki executed a go-around. Immediately after becoming airborne, number four propeller had an uncontrollable overspeed. Captain Katsuki, aided by his crew, performed all the emergency procedures, but was unable to feather the propeller. Flying the nearly uncontrollable aircraft on instruments and fighting to gain altitude and airspeed, Captain Katsuki diverted to the nearest suitable airfield where he landed the crippled aircraft, resulting in the safe recovery of sixty-nine passengers, the aircraft, and the crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Katsuki reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.