AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  F-105

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Charles A. Kennedy for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over hostile territory in Southeast Asia on 18 January 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Kennedy was a member of a strike flight diverted to assist in search and rescue operations for the recovery of four downed airmen. Despite marginal weather conditions and in the face of an intense barrage of hostile fire, Lieutenant Kennedy unerringly delivered his highly explosive ordnance on target destroying a heavy anti-aircraft artillery position that was preventing rescue attempts. Then despite a low fuel condition, Lieutenant Kennedy made numerous strafing passes to suppress enemy ground fire which allowed rescue helicopters to make a successful recovery. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Kennedy reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Charles A. Kennedy for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 6 and 7 December 1969. On those dates he led strike sorties in support of a Search and Rescue Mission for two pilots downed over hostile territory. Despite intense ground fire, which delayed rescue for three days, Captain Kennedy repeatedly exposed his aircraft on low level attacks against the defensive positions. His accurate deliveries and aggressive tactics made the recovery possible. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kennedy reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Charles A. Kennedy for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 16 February 1970. On that date he led a flight of two A-1's on a night strike mission deep into hostile territory. Despite an intense barrage of ground fire he delivered a devastating blow to a hostile supply convoy, destroying two trucks and one antiaircraft gun. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kennedy reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.