AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Dale J. Kennedy for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 February 1969, First Lieutenant Kennedy launched as wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a small Marine unit that was pinned down by a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior enemy force occupying fortified structures southeast of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Marine Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the proximity of friendly and enemy positions would require precise ordnance delivery. Despite adverse weather conditions, First Lieutenant Kennedy unhesitatingly commenced a series of determined attacks against the hostile emplacements and came under enemy fire. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly maneuvered his Skyhawk through the intense hostile fire during repeated bombing runs, delivering his ordnance upon the enemy bunkers with devastating effectiveness. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his flight's complete destruction of the hostile position and in enabling the friendly unit to continue its mission. First Lieutenant Kennedy's courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Dale J. Kennedy for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 12 August 1969, Captain Kennedy launched as Wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned the mission of providing close air support for a Marine reconnaissance team which was heavily engaged in combat with a large hostile force at an outpost on Ba Na Mountain approximately twelve miles west of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the beleaguered team was occupying two bunkers 100 meters north of a concrete structure which was occupied by elements of the enemy unit. Despite the difficulties presented because of the location of the building on the crest of the ridge, Captain Kennedy skillfully maneuvered his aircraft in an attack and delivered his ordnance with such pinpoint accuracy that the building was severely damaged. Encountering an extremely heavy volume of .50 caliber machine gun fire from a hostile emplacement 300 meters south of the large building, as he pulled off the target, he quickly located the enemy firing positions. Undaunted by the intense hostile fire directed at his Skyhawk, he completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly maneuvered his aircraft on three bombing runs on the enemy positions and delivered all of his ordnance with exceptional precision on the target. As a result of his flight's devastating attacks, two of the hostile machine gun emplacements were destroyed and the building so seriously damaged that the enemy subsequently abandoned their position. Captain Kennedy's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Dale J. Kennedy for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 24 August 1969, Captain Kennedy launched as Wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned the mission of destroying a large enemy defense complex approximately twenty-three miles south of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he was briefed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) and directed to attack a secondary target which consisted of two enemy .50 caliber machine gun emplacements connected by a trench line, ten meters long. Undaunted by approaching darkness and the extremely heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft from numerous enemy positions hidden in tree lines, Captain Kennedy fearlessly maneuvered his Skyhawk on repeated bombing runs and delivered his ordnance upon the target with pinpoint accuracy. As a result of his flight's devastating attacks the two enemy machine gun emplacements were destroyed, as were the hostile positions concealed in the tree lines. Captain Kennedy's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.