AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  O-1E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Donald O. Knutson for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller directing fighter aircraft in the Tally-Ho operational area in Southeast Asia on 3 November 1966. On that date, Captain Knutson was flying his O1E Bird Dog aircraft over a very hostile environment when he located trenches, bunkers, North Vietnamese troops and active gun positions. Disregarding his own safety, he exposed himself to draw the hostile ground fire away from the fighters, enabling them to direct their fire on the hostile gun positions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Knutson 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 Captain Donald O. Knutson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller over Southeast Asia from 29 December 1966 to 10 February 1967. During this period, Captain Knutson directed fighter aircraft against numerous gun emplacements including 37 mm and quad 50 caliber positions. Despite intense automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft, he repeatedly marked the gun positions and skillfully controlled the fighters onto the target. Demonstrating complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Knutson was directly responsible for the destruction of 15 gun positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Knutson reflect great credit upon himself and the United Sates Air Force.