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 Sergeant Gerald W. Knoell for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster at Katum Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 7 November 1969. On that date, his crew made an emergency evacuation of a combat unit from an airfield under severe attack by hostile forces. Forward Air Controller, Fighter, and helicopter gunship support were necessary and, due to the intense ground fire, two aircraft were shot down. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty display by Sergeant Knoell 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 to Staff Sergeant Gerald W. Knoell for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster for the 6th Aerial Port Squadron at An Loc, Republic of Vietnam, on 28 April 1972. On that date, Sergeant Knoell flew a night, low-level tactical emergency airdrop of critically needed ammunition and supplies to a besieged concentration of allied forces located in a heavily defended hostile area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and intense automatic weapons activity, Sergeant Knoell performed his aircrew duties with exact precision, resulting in a completely successful mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Knoell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.