AWARDED DFC: 2
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 Technical Sergeant Benny R. Kerlin for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster for the 776th Tactical Airlift Squadron at An Loc, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 April 1972. On that date, Sergeant Kerlin flew a tactical emergency low level airdrop of critically needed ammunition to a besieged concentration of allied forces located in a heavily defended hostile area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, inspite of heavy antiaircraft fire and intense weapons activity, Sergeant Kerlin performed his aircrew duties with exact precision, resulting in a completely successful airdrop only seconds before taking a 51 caliber hit in the tail section. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kerlin 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 Technical Sergeant Benny R. Kerlin for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster for the 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 April 1972. On that date, Sergeant Kerlin volunteered to test and determine the feasibility of dropping CDS containers from high altitude over An Loc, South Vietnam. During reported runs to determine ballistics, ground fire was received from 37mm and evasive action had to be taken. The mission was successful and air supply to An Loc was developed by high altitude from this period on using techniques developed from this mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kerlin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.