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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Richard E. Klemm for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-two embarked in USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). In darkness of 20 September 1972, Lieutenant Commander Klemm conducted a single plane, low-level strike against the heavily defended Vu Chau railroad siding, located northwest of Hanoi, North Vietnam. The target was situated along the northwest rail line, one of the most heavily defended areas in enemy territory. Undaunted by surface-to-air missile radars tracking his aircraft and continuous and intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, he flawlessly executed a daring bombing attack resulting in three secondary explosions and numerous fires. His courageous efforts were instrumental in interdicting a vital enemy line-of-communication. Lieutenant Commander Klemm's superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.