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 Captain Charles E. Krantz for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty on 20 February 1970 while serving as an Aircraft Commander for Company A, 1st Aviation Battalion, 1st Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, while performing his duties as Operations Officer, Captain Krantz volunteered to fly a night Psyops mission as the sole Pilot because of a shortage of pilots and an overload of daytime mission requirements. Despite the extreme hazards of night flying, he displayed outstanding ability and skill as he functioned as the aircraft's sole Navigator and Radio Operator. When his aircraft was engaged by an enemy anti-aircraft weapon, Captain Krantz flew directly into the fire of the emplacement to determine its location. Once he performed his visual reconnaissance, he left the area of contact and radioed artillery, giving them an accurate six-digit coordinate which resulted in the complete destruction of the weapon. Captain Krantz's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.