AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  OV-1B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Joseph C. Kennedy for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Major Kennedy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting an OV-1B aircraft on a surveilance mission in the formidable Steel Tiger area. Recording three enemy truck convoys on his sensor equipment, he was able to give forward air control aircraft the exact location of each convoy. He spent a considerable amount of time in the mission area, directing control and fighter aircraft to these lucrative targets. While assisting in the acquisition of the vehicles, Major Kennedy was subjected to intense enemy fire. The direct result of his initiative and flying skill was the destruction of eight enemy vehicles, with five secondary explosions indicating the loss of a substantial amount of enemy supplies and war material. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Joseph C. Kennedy for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Major Kennedy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting the trail ship in a flight of two armed OV-1A aircraft engaged in a low-level photographic mission. His aircraft received a direct hit from an enemy anti-aircraft weapon resulting in a large hole and extensive fire in the aft fuselage, which filled the cockpit with thick black smoke. After clearing the smoke, Major Kennedy made a rapid evaluation of the situation and decided to fly to Ubon, despite warnings from his flight leader to eject because his entire tail section could fall off at any moment. After a 130 mile flight over hostile terrain, he made an emergency landing at Ubon without further damage to his aircraft. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.