AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Jimmy D. Kempton for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam, on 4 April 1972. On that date, Major Kempton's flight of F-4s was scrambled in support of a Search and Rescue operation being conducted for three American pilots downed by North Vietnamese surface-to-air missiles. It was only through outstanding airmanship that this last of the SAR ordnance was delivered on target before nightfall in spite of the extremely poor weather, hazardous terrain and intense hostile ground fire. Major Kempton's selfless and heroic performance was instrumental in the safe recovery of two of the aircrew members. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Kempton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.