AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  B-26

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John N. Kildahl for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy held North Korea as navigator-bombardier of a B-26 type aircraft, 17th Bombardment Wing (Light), Fifth Air Force. On 6 August 1952, engaged in a pathfinder night interdiction mission, Lieutenant Kildahl displayed outstanding bombing and navigational skill. In spite of obscured visibility, he quickly located the prebriefed target near Hwangju, Korea. Lieutenant Kildahl immediately initiated a bombing attack which resulted in ten fires and secondary explosions in the target area. This attack was made despite intense fire from enemy automatic and heavy weapons on the bomb run. After attacking the target, Lieutenant Kildahl guided his pilot on a reconnaissance of an enemy supply route, and made a successful bombing attack on an enemy bridge. As a result of this highly successful mission vital enemy supplies and storage facilities were destroyed, and an enemy main supply route was rendered impassable. By his high personal courage, outstanding ability and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Kildahl has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.